What Not To Write About In A College Essay: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
The college essay. It’s the moment you get to be you on paper. A chance to showcase your personality, your experiences, and your aspirations beyond the confines of grades and test scores. But with that freedom comes a significant challenge: knowing what not to write. This article is your guide to navigating the treacherous waters of college essay writing, helping you avoid the common mistakes that can sink your application. We’ll explore the topics and approaches that admissions committees often find less compelling, allowing you to craft an essay that truly shines.
The Temptation of the Cliché: Why Generic Topics Fall Flat
Let’s be honest: some stories are just… overdone. While a well-written essay on a common topic can still be successful, it’s often an uphill battle. The admissions committee has likely read dozens, if not hundreds, of essays on the same subject. Standing out from the crowd requires choosing a topic that is both unique and authentically you.
Avoid these overused themes:
- The Sports Victory: Unless your athletic achievement is truly exceptional (think national level or something that profoundly shaped your character), it’s often better to explore other aspects of your life. Many applicants write about winning a game, which can be generic.
- The Mission Trip: These experiences are often transformational, but they can lack specific, personal insights if not handled with care. Be sure you can demonstrate your personal transformation, not just the good work you did.
- The Family Vacation: Unless this vacation was truly extraordinary and revealed something significant about your character, it’s likely not the best choice.
- The Death of a Grandparent/Family Member: While these are undeniably difficult experiences, they can be difficult for admissions officers to assess without a clear understanding of your resilience and growth. Tread carefully, ensuring the focus is on your personal development.
Surface-Level Narratives: Digging Deeper Than the Obvious
Beyond the topic itself, the way you tell the story matters even more. Many essays fall short because they remain on the surface. They recount events without delving into the underlying emotions, motivations, and lessons learned.
The goal is to demonstrate self-awareness and introspection. Don’t just tell the reader what happened; show them why it mattered to you and how it shaped your perspective.
Consider these pitfalls:
- Listing accomplishments without providing context: Anyone can list awards and achievements. The essay should explain why those accomplishments are significant and what they reveal about your character.
- Focusing solely on the event itself: Instead of merely describing what happened, explore your feelings, your thought processes, and the lasting impact of the experience.
- Using overly dramatic language: Avoid hyperbole and excessive emotionalism. Authenticity is key.
The “Look at Me!” Trap: Focusing Solely on Accomplishments Without Personal Reflection
While it’s important to highlight your achievements, the college essay isn’t just a resume in prose form. It’s an opportunity to reveal your personality, your values, and your unique perspective.
Admissions committees want to see who you are, not just what you’ve done.
Common issues in this category:
- Listing activities without explaining their significance: The reader needs to understand why you chose to participate in these activities and what you gained from them.
- Bragging about accomplishments without humility: A little self-promotion is okay, but avoid sounding arrogant or entitled.
- Failing to connect your experiences to your future goals: Show how your past experiences have prepared you for college and beyond.
The “I’m So Perfect” Illusion: The Power of Vulnerability
Nobody’s perfect. In fact, the most compelling essays often reveal vulnerabilities, imperfections, and moments of growth. Admitting your flaws and demonstrating how you’ve learned from them can be incredibly powerful.
Avoid:
- Presenting a flawless image: The admissions committee knows you’re human. Trying to appear perfect can come across as inauthentic.
- Avoiding difficult topics: Don’t shy away from discussing challenges you’ve faced. These often provide the richest material for your essay.
- Failing to show growth: The key is to demonstrate how you’ve learned from your mistakes and become a better person.
Ignoring the Prompt: Staying Within the Boundaries
Many college essays are written in response to a specific prompt. Failing to address the prompt directly is a surefire way to weaken your essay.
Consider these mistakes:
- Writing a generic essay that could apply to any prompt: Make sure your essay is tailored to the specific question being asked.
- Misinterpreting the prompt: Carefully read and understand the prompt before you begin writing.
- Ignoring the word count or other guidelines: Follow the instructions carefully.
“Tell, Don’t Show”: The Importance of Vivid Language and Imagery
This is a fundamental writing principle. Instead of simply telling the reader something, show them through vivid descriptions, sensory details, and engaging storytelling.
Avoid:
- Using vague language: Be specific and concrete in your descriptions.
- Relying on clichés and overused phrases: These make your writing sound generic and uninspired.
- Failing to engage the reader’s senses: Use descriptive language to paint a picture in the reader’s mind.
The “I Don’t Know What I Want” Syndrome: Lack of Direction and Purpose
The college essay is a chance to demonstrate your aspirations and your understanding of yourself. Even if you haven’t figured everything out, show that you’re thinking about your future and have a general direction in mind.
Avoid:
- Writing an essay that lacks a clear purpose or focus: Make sure your essay has a central theme or message.
- Failing to connect your experiences to your future goals: Show how your past experiences have prepared you for college and beyond.
- Sounding indecisive or unsure of yourself: Project confidence and enthusiasm.
The “My Parents Did Everything” Complex: Taking Ownership of Your Narrative
While family and mentors undoubtedly play a role in your life, the college essay should be about you. Focus on your own experiences, your own contributions, and your own growth.
Avoid:
- Over-relying on your parents’ or other mentors’ accomplishments: The essay is about you, not them.
- Failing to take ownership of your actions: Show that you’re responsible for your choices.
- Writing an essay that sounds like it was written by someone else: Let your own voice shine through.
The “Generic College Essay” Problem: Failing to Showcase Individuality
Ultimately, the college essay is your chance to stand out from the crowd. Avoid writing an essay that could be written by anyone. Be unique. Be yourself.
Avoid:
- Writing a formulaic essay: Don’t try to follow a rigid template.
- Trying to be someone you’re not: Authenticity is key.
- Failing to inject your personality into your writing: Let your voice and perspective shine through.
The Editing and Proofreading Blunders: A Polished Final Product
Before submitting your essay, meticulously edit and proofread your work. Typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing can undermine even the most compelling content.
Avoid:
- Rushing the editing process: Give yourself plenty of time to revise and refine your work.
- Failing to seek feedback from others: Ask teachers, counselors, or trusted friends to read your essay and provide constructive criticism.
- Relying solely on spellcheck: Spellcheck won’t catch all errors, especially stylistic ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if my most significant experience is a common one, like sports or a mission trip?
Focus on the specifics of your experience and how it shaped you. What challenges did you face? What lessons did you learn? How did it change your perspective? The more personal and reflective you are, the more unique your essay will become.
Is it okay to write about a negative experience?
Absolutely. In fact, these experiences often provide the most compelling material. However, focus on your growth and resilience, not just the negativity itself. Show how you learned from the experience and what you gained from it.
How personal should I get in my essay?
Be authentic, but avoid oversharing. Don’t include anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or that you wouldn’t share with a trusted friend. The goal is to reveal your personality and perspective, not to expose yourself.
How can I make sure my essay stands out?
Be yourself. Write about a topic that you’re genuinely passionate about. Show, don’t tell. Demonstrate self-awareness and introspection. Get feedback and revise your work.
What if I can’t think of anything to write about?
Brainstorm. Talk to friends, family, and teachers. Reflect on your experiences. What are you passionate about? What challenges have you overcome? What are your goals? The more you reflect on yourself, the easier it will be to find a compelling topic.
Conclusion: Crafting Your College Essay Masterpiece
Writing a successful college essay requires careful consideration of both topic and execution. By avoiding the pitfalls outlined in this article – from clichés and superficial narratives to a lack of self-reflection and poor editing – you can create an essay that truly represents you. Remember, the goal is to showcase your unique personality, your experiences, and your aspirations in a way that resonates with admissions committees. Take your time, be authentic, and let your voice shine through. This is your chance to make a lasting impression.