Did you have an unforgettable experience this summer? Was it something that, when you look back on the person you were before this summer, you can tell that you’re smarter, more evolved, or otherwise fundamentally different in some way?
If so, maybe you’ve got a great college essay topic. But if not, first, don’t feel bad (not every summer is supposed to be life-changing). And second, please don’t wedge a non life-changing experience into an essay and claim the experience had more meaning than it did.
Here’s a good litmus test. If I asked ten of your family members and close friends to describe your summer experience and how it changed you, would they be able to do so? Would they know the details? Would they be able to say firsthand what a big deal it was for you? If so, you’ve probably been talking about your summer a lot. And that’s usually a sign that whatever you did is sticking with you in some way.