What Not To Write Your College Essay About: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

The college essay. It’s the Everest of the application process, the single document that can reveal your personality, your passions, and your potential to a college admissions committee. While the pressure to craft the perfect essay is immense, the reality is that many students inadvertently sabotage their applications by choosing the wrong topics. This article will delve into the common pitfalls and offer concrete advice on what not to write your college essay about, helping you steer clear of these traps and craft an essay that truly shines.

The Overused Clichés: Tread Carefully on Familiar Ground

Avoid the temptation to fall back on well-worn tropes. These subjects, while potentially meaningful to you, often lack the originality and depth that admissions officers are looking for.

The Sports Victory Narrative: Unless You’re Michael Jordan, Think Twice

We understand, that game-winning shot felt amazing. But unless you can offer a truly unique perspective on a sports experience, avoid rehashing the details of a game. Admissions officers read hundreds of essays about sports victories. To make yours stand out, you need to go beyond the typical narrative of teamwork, perseverance, and ultimately, the win. Consider focusing on a specific internal struggle or a unique lesson learned that transcends the sport itself.

The Mission Trip Story: Generic Good Deeds Aren’t Enough

Volunteering is commendable. However, a generic account of a mission trip, devoid of personal reflection and insight, is unlikely to impress. Many students participate in similar activities. Instead of simply recounting the experience, focus on what you learned about yourself, your values, and the world. What specific interactions or observations shaped your perspective? How did this trip challenge your preconceptions?

The “I Survived…” Essay: Trauma Without Transformation Falls Flat

While overcoming adversity is a powerful theme, an essay solely focused on a traumatic experience, without demonstrating growth or resilience, can be difficult for admissions officers to assess. You need to show how you processed the event, how it changed you, and what you learned from it. Focus on the aftermath, not just the event itself. Show them how you were changed.

The “I’m Perfect” Trap: Authenticity Trumps Perfection

Colleges want to get to know you, flaws and all. Trying to present a flawless version of yourself is often counterproductive.

The “Perfect Student” Persona: Overly Polished Essays Can Be Unrelatable

An essay that highlights only your achievements, without any vulnerability or self-awareness, can come across as inauthentic. Admissions officers value genuine personality. Don’t be afraid to showcase your imperfections, your struggles, and your moments of doubt. These are the things that make you human and relatable.

Excessive Bragging: Subtle Self-Promotion Is Key

While you want to highlight your accomplishments, blatant bragging is a turnoff. Instead of explicitly stating how great you are, show, don’t tell. Demonstrate your skills and qualities through anecdotes, experiences, and the way you describe your interactions with others.

The “Generic” Essay: Specificity Is Your Secret Weapon

Generic essays lack the vividness and personal touch that make an essay memorable. Aim for specificity in every aspect of your writing.

Summarizing Your Resume: The Admissions Committee Already Knows

Don’t waste precious essay space reiterating information already presented in your application. The essay is your opportunity to provide context, depth, and personality. Use it to showcase aspects of yourself that can’t be found elsewhere in your application.

The “Everything I Did in High School” Essay: Focus on a Core Theme

Trying to cram your entire high school experience into a single essay is a recipe for disaster. Choose a specific theme or experience and explore it in detail. This allows you to delve deeper into your thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

The “I Love My Pet” Essay: Unless It’s Truly Extraordinary

While a pet can be a significant part of your life, writing an essay solely about your dog or cat can be risky. Unless the relationship is truly exceptional or the pet played a crucial role in your personal growth, it might not be the best topic. Focus on themes that reveal something significant about your character or perspective.

The “Uninspired” Essay: Choose Topics That Spark Joy

Your passion should shine through in your essay. Choosing a topic that genuinely excites you will make the writing process more enjoyable and result in a more engaging piece.

The “I Did It Because I Had To” Essay: Motivation Matters

If you’re writing about something you did solely because you felt obligated, it might not be the best choice. Colleges want to see initiative and genuine interest. Choose topics that reflect your intrinsic motivations and passions.

Topics Lacking Depth: Surface-Level Narratives Are Forgettable

Avoid topics that lack the potential for in-depth exploration. A simple event or experience may not provide enough material for a compelling essay. Look for experiences that have shaped your thinking, challenged your beliefs, or sparked a significant change in your life.

The “Secret” That Isn’t: Avoid Oversharing and Inappropriate Topics

Some topics are best left unwritten.

Controversial Topics: Tread Lightly

While you shouldn’t shy away from expressing your opinions, avoid controversial subjects that could alienate the reader or reflect poorly on your judgment. Focus on topics that demonstrate your critical thinking skills and your ability to engage in respectful dialogue.

Intimate Details: Boundaries Are Important

Admissions officers are not your therapists. Avoid sharing overly personal or intimate details that could make the reader uncomfortable or distract from your overall message. Focus on experiences that highlight your personal growth, resilience, and maturity.

Avoid writing about illegal activities.

FAQs: Beyond the Headings

Here are some additional questions to consider as you brainstorm and write your essay:

What if my biggest accomplishment is something common, like winning a sports championship?

  • Focus on the internal journey. How did you handle pressure? What did you learn about teamwork? What did this victory reveal about your character? Go beyond the surface-level narrative.

Is it okay to write about a mental health struggle?

  • Yes, but only if you can demonstrate how you coped, what you learned, and how you’ve grown. Focus on the resilience and transformation, not just the struggle itself.

Can I write about a teacher or mentor?

  • Yes, but make sure the focus remains on you. Use the teacher or mentor as a catalyst for revealing your own values, aspirations, and personal growth.

How do I know if my topic is too cliché?

  • Ask yourself: Is this a story that many other applicants could tell? If so, consider a different angle or a less common experience.

What if I’m not sure what to write about?

  • Brainstorm! Make lists of your passions, your hobbies, your challenges, and your most significant experiences. Talk to friends, family, and teachers for inspiration. The best essays often come from unexpected places.

Conclusion: Navigating the Essay Minefield

Writing a successful college essay is about more than just avoiding mistakes; it’s about crafting a narrative that is authentic, engaging, and reflective of your unique self. By understanding what not to write your college essay about, you can sidestep common pitfalls and focus on creating a compelling piece that showcases your strengths, your values, and your potential. Remember to be specific, be authentic, and let your personality shine through. The admissions committee wants to know you; give them the best version of yourself on the page.