What Should You Not Write About In A College Essay: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
The college essay is your chance to shine, to show admissions committees who you are beyond grades and test scores. It’s a pivotal opportunity to demonstrate your personality, your passions, and your potential. But with so much on the line, it’s easy to stumble. This article delves into the common mistakes students make, helping you navigate the treacherous waters of college essay writing and ensuring your application stands out for the right reasons. We’ll explore the pitfalls you should avoid to craft a compelling and memorable essay.
The “Why Me?” Trap: Overused and Generic Topics
One of the biggest traps students fall into is writing about overly generic topics. These essays, while often well-intentioned, frequently lack originality and fail to provide admissions officers with a unique glimpse into your character.
The “Perfect” Vacation: Unveiling the Lack of Depth
Describing a “perfect” vacation, while perhaps enjoyable for you, usually boils down to a list of activities and superficial observations. Admissions committees want to know what you learned, how you grew, and what you experienced on a deeper level. Did the trip challenge your assumptions? Did it expose you to different cultures or perspectives? If not, it might be a topic best left unwritten.
Sports Achievements: Beyond the Scoreboard
While excelling in sports can demonstrate dedication and teamwork, simply recounting game statistics or team victories isn’t enough. Instead, consider focusing on the challenges you overcame, the lessons you learned from losses, or how your involvement shaped your character. Focus on the impact, not just the outcome.
Unremarkable Volunteer Work: The Importance of Reflection
Volunteer work is commendable, but an essay simply listing your activities without deeper reflection falls flat. What did you gain from the experience? How did it change your perspective on the world or your community? The key is to demonstrate genuine empathy and understanding.
The “List of Accomplishments” Essay: A Resume in Disguise
Your college application already includes a resume. Don’t waste precious essay space restating what’s already there. The essay is a chance to showcase your voice and your personality, not to reiterate your achievements.
Repeating Information: Redundancy is the Enemy
Avoid simply regurgitating information found elsewhere in your application. This is a missed opportunity to demonstrate your unique perspective and insights.
The Absence of Storytelling: Show, Don’t Tell
Admissions officers want to experience your personality. They want to see you in action, through anecdotes and vivid descriptions. A list of accomplishments tells them what you did; a compelling story shows them who you are.
The “Controversial” Essay: Walking a Tightrope
While it’s tempting to write about sensitive or controversial topics to stand out, tread carefully. An essay that comes across as insensitive, uninformed, or simply trying too hard to shock can backfire spectacularly.
Political or Religious Statements: Know Your Audience
Unless your essay directly relates to your personal experiences and how they have shaped you, avoid expressing strong political or religious opinions. Focus on your own journey and avoid alienating readers.
Grudges and Complaints: Maintaining a Positive Tone
Your essay should reflect your maturity and your ability to learn from experiences. Dwelling on grudges or complaining about past injustices can create a negative impression. Focus on how you’ve grown from challenges, not on the challenges themselves.
Attempts to Shock: Authenticity Over Controversy
Trying to be edgy or shocking for the sake of it rarely works. Authenticity and genuine self-reflection are far more compelling than manufactured controversy.
Overused Clichés and Generic Advice: The Road Less Traveled
Many essay topics and writing styles have become overused. Avoid these clichés to ensure your essay stands out.
Common Tropes: The “Overcoming Obstacles” Dilemma
While overcoming obstacles is a great topic, it’s also incredibly common. If you choose this route, make sure your essay offers a fresh perspective and a unique story.
Generic Advice: The “Be Yourself” Paradox
While “be yourself” is sound advice, it’s also unhelpful. The best essays are those that reveal your authentic self through specific details, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful reflection.
The “I’m Perfect” Illusion: Embracing Imperfection
No one is perfect. Attempting to portray yourself as flawless rings false and can be off-putting.
Ignoring Weaknesses: The Value of Vulnerability
Admitting your weaknesses, in a thoughtful and honest way, can actually make you more relatable and show your capacity for self-awareness and growth.
The “Humility” Trap: Genuine Reflection
Avoid forced humility. Instead, focus on the lessons you’ve learned and the ways you’ve grown from your experiences.
The “Bad Writing” Brigade: Poor Grammar and Structure
Even the most compelling story can be undermined by poor writing.
Grammar and Spelling: The Importance of Proofreading
Typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing can distract from your message and create a negative impression. Proofread meticulously and have multiple people review your essay.
Lack of Structure: Clarity is Key
A well-structured essay is easy to follow and engaging. Use clear topic sentences, transitions, and paragraphs to guide your reader.
The “Hidden Agenda” Essay: Playing the Admissions Game
Avoid trying to manipulate or second-guess the admissions committee. Be genuine and write about what truly matters to you.
Trying to “Guess” What They Want: Authenticity Above All
Don’t try to predict what admissions officers want to hear. Write about your passions, your experiences, and your authentic self.
Avoiding the Essay Prompt: Following Directions
Make sure you answer the essay prompt. Ignoring or misinterpreting the prompt can be a fatal mistake.
The “Parental Influence” Overload: Finding Your Own Voice
While parents play a significant role in your life, the college essay is an opportunity to showcase your own perspective.
Relying Too Heavily on Parents’ Stories: The Importance of “You”
Focus on your own experiences and insights, not on your parents’ accomplishments or opinions.
Avoiding Clichés: Focusing on Your Journey
If you do write about your parents, focus on their influence on your journey and how it shaped you.
The “I Did Something Amazing and That’s All There Is” Essay: Demonstrating Depth
A remarkable achievement can be a great starting point, but it’s not the whole story.
Lack of Reflection: What Did You Learn?
Always delve deeper. What did you learn from your experience? How did it impact you? How did it shape your values or goals?
Missing the “So What?” Factor: Connecting to Your Future
Connect your experiences to your future aspirations. Why is this experience relevant to your college goals? How will it help you succeed?
The “Too Much Information” Overload: Keeping It Concise
Respect the word count and focus on what matters most.
Rambling and Tangents: Stay Focused
Avoid going off on tangents or including irrelevant details. Stay focused on your central theme and your key message.
Failing to Edit: The Power of Brevity
Edit ruthlessly. Cut any unnecessary words or sentences. Make every word count.
FAQs: Beyond the Basics
Here are a few frequently asked questions that can help you even further:
What if my experience seems “ordinary”?
Don’t be afraid to write about seemingly ordinary experiences. The key is to find the extraordinary within the ordinary. Focus on the details, your emotions, and the lessons you learned.
How can I avoid sounding cliché?
Read widely, experiment with different writing styles, and strive for originality. Focus on your unique perspective and experiences.
Is it okay to write about a traumatic experience?
Yes, but approach it with care. Ensure you’re ready to share the experience and that it serves a clear purpose in your essay. Focus on your resilience and growth.
How do I make my essay memorable?
Be authentic, specific, and engaging. Use vivid language, compelling storytelling, and a unique perspective. Show, don’t tell.
When should I start writing my essay?
Start early! Brainstorm ideas, outline your essay, and give yourself plenty of time to write, revise, and get feedback.
Conclusion: Crafting Your Perfect College Essay
Writing a compelling college essay is a challenging but rewarding process. By avoiding common pitfalls like generic topics, redundant information, and poor writing, you can craft an essay that showcases your unique personality, experiences, and potential. Remember to embrace authenticity, focus on your personal growth, and tell a story that resonates with admissions committees. Your essay is your voice; make it count.