What To Not Write About In College Essays: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Writing a college essay is a monumental task. It’s your chance to shine, to show admissions committees who you are beyond grades and test scores. But with this opportunity comes the potential for missteps. Knowing what to avoid in your college essay can be just as crucial as knowing what to include. This guide dissects the common pitfalls, providing you with the insights needed to craft a compelling application essay that stands out for all the right reasons.
The “Generic” Trap: Why Clichés Should Be Avoided
One of the biggest mistakes students make is falling into the trap of the generic essay. These essays are often safe, predictable, and, frankly, boring. They lack the spark of originality that admissions officers crave.
The “Overcoming Adversity” Trope: Tread Carefully
While sharing experiences of overcoming challenges can be powerful, it’s a well-worn path. If you choose to write about adversity, ensure your essay offers a fresh perspective. Don’t simply recount the event; delve into your personal growth, the specific lessons learned, and how the experience shaped your values and aspirations. A generic overcoming adversity story blends into the background.
The “Sports Victory” Recap: Focusing on the “So What?”
Winning a championship or scoring the winning goal can be exciting, but what makes you unique? A sports victory, on its own, rarely reveals much about your character. Instead of a blow-by-blow account, focus on the underlying themes: teamwork, discipline, leadership, or perseverance. Show how these qualities translate to your academic pursuits and future goals.
The “Bragging” Essay: Balancing Confidence with Humility
Confidence is essential, but the college essay isn’t the place to boast. Overly self-aggrandizing essays can come across as arrogant and off-putting.
Excessive Self-Praise: Walking the Fine Line
It’s crucial to highlight your accomplishments, but do so with humility and self-awareness. Instead of simply stating you’re a “natural leader,” provide concrete examples of your leadership skills, showcasing how you inspired and motivated others.
The “Resume Dump”: Letting Your Actions Speak Louder
Don’t just list your achievements. The essay should tell a story. It should show, not tell. Admissions officers have your transcripts and resume; the essay’s purpose is to offer context and depth. Focus on the “why” behind your actions.
The “Controversial” Territory: Navigating Sensitive Topics
While authenticity is valued, some topics are best avoided, or at least approached with extreme caution.
Political and Religious Extremism: Maintaining Respectful Discourse
Sharing your political or religious views is fine, but avoid extreme viewpoints that could alienate the reader. Respectful and nuanced discussions are more likely to resonate than divisive rhetoric. Remember, your essay should demonstrate your ability to engage in thoughtful discourse.
Illegal Activities: The Obvious Avoidance
This one is straightforward. Don’t write about illegal activities. It’s a simple rule, but surprisingly, it’s sometimes broken.
The “Bad Advice” Brigade: Common Essay Writing Mistakes
Even with the best intentions, some common writing mistakes can derail your essay’s impact.
Poor Grammar and Spelling: Proofreading is Paramount
Typos and grammatical errors undermine your credibility. Proofread meticulously. Use spell-check and grammar-checking tools, but also have a trusted friend or teacher review your essay. Attention to detail matters.
Rambling and Lack of Focus: Staying on Track
A compelling essay has a clear narrative arc. Avoid tangents and ensure every sentence contributes to your central theme. Keep your essay concise and focused.
The “Uninspired” Essay: Finding Your Unique Voice
The most successful essays are those that reflect the writer’s unique personality and perspective.
Following the Crowd: Originality is Key
Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Authenticity is the most valuable quality in a college essay. Write about what genuinely interests you, what moves you, and what makes you, you.
Lack of Self-Reflection: Digging Deeper
The essay is a journey of self-discovery. Don’t just describe events; analyze them. Reflect on your experiences, your motivations, and the lessons you’ve learned. Show admissions officers your capacity for introspection.
The “Formulaic” Approach: Breaking Free from the Template
Avoid the temptation to follow a rigid essay template. While structure is important, the best essays defy easy categorization.
The “Five-Paragraph Essay” Mentality: Embracing Flexibility
Don’t force your story into a pre-determined structure. Allow the narrative to guide the organization. Embrace flexibility and creativity in your writing.
The “Copy-and-Paste” Temptation: Plagiarism’s Pitfalls
Plagiarism is a serious offense. Never copy material from other sources, even if you cite them. Write in your own voice, using your own words.
The “Unfinished” Essay: The Importance of Revision
A great essay is rarely written in one draft. Revision is a crucial part of the process.
Procrastination’s Perils: Planning Ahead
Don’t wait until the last minute to start. Give yourself ample time to brainstorm, write, revise, and edit. Plan your essay writing process carefully.
Failing to Get Feedback: Seeking Fresh Eyes
Ask trusted teachers, counselors, and friends to read your essay and provide constructive criticism. Don’t be afraid to seek feedback.
The “Wrong” Essay for the “Right” School: Tailoring Your Application
Each college is unique. Your essay should reflect your interest in that specific institution.
Generic Essays: Showing Genuine Interest
Avoid sending the same essay to every college. Tailor your essay to each school, highlighting specific aspects that resonate with your goals and interests.
Lack of Research: Demonstrating Knowledge
Research each college thoroughly. Mention specific programs, professors, or opportunities that appeal to you. Show that you’ve done your homework.
The “Show, Don’t Tell” Principle: Bringing Your Story to Life
The most effective essays show the reader who you are, rather than simply telling them.
Overusing Adjectives: Opting for Vivid Descriptions
Instead of saying you’re “passionate,” describe your passion through your actions and experiences. Use vivid language to bring your story to life.
Passive Voice: Engaging the Reader
Write in an active voice to engage the reader. Use strong verbs and concise sentences.
The “Irrelevant” Essay: Staying Focused on the Core
Avoid tangents and ensure your essay remains focused on the most important aspects of your application.
Focusing on External Factors: Keeping the Focus on You
While it’s fine to mention external factors, keep the focus on your own experiences, growth, and aspirations. Make yourself the protagonist of your story.
Ignoring the Prompt: Understanding the Question
Carefully read and understand the essay prompt. Answer the question directly. Don’t stray from the topic.
FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify what to avoid when writing your college essay:
What about writing about a family member?
Writing about a close family member can be a touching way to illustrate your values or the impact they’ve had on your life. However, ensure the focus remains on your growth and the insights you’ve gained, not just a biography of your family member. Make sure the chosen story serves your overall narrative.
Is it okay to write about mental health struggles?
If you choose to write about mental health challenges, be sure to approach the topic with sensitivity and maturity. Focus on your coping mechanisms, the lessons you’ve learned, and how you’ve grown. Avoid sensationalizing the issue and ensure you’re comfortable sharing such personal information.
Can I write about my hobbies and interests?
Absolutely! Writing about your passions can be a great way to show admissions officers who you are outside of the classroom. However, be sure to go beyond a simple listing of your hobbies. Explore the “why” behind your interests, and how they’ve shaped your character.
Should I write about my failures?
Yes, but with careful consideration. Writing about a failure can demonstrate your resilience and capacity for growth. Focus on what you learned from the experience and how it changed your perspective. Avoid dwelling on the negative and emphasize the positive outcomes.
How long should my essay be?
Adhere to the word count guidelines provided by the specific college. Do not exceed the limit, and aim to be concise. The quality of your writing is more important than the length.
Conclusion: Crafting a Winning Essay
Writing a compelling college essay is an art, not a science. By understanding the common pitfalls and avoiding the traps outlined above, you can significantly increase your chances of creating an essay that captivates admissions committees. Remember to be authentic, show your personality, and focus on telling a story that reveals who you are. By taking these steps, you will craft an essay that showcases your potential and distinguishes you from the crowd. Good luck!