What To Not Write Your College Essay About: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
The college essay is your chance to shine. It’s a space to go beyond your grades and test scores and show colleges who you are, what matters to you, and how you think. But with so much riding on this piece of writing, it’s easy to fall into traps that can actually hurt your chances. This article will explore what to absolutely avoid when writing your college essay, helping you steer clear of common pitfalls and craft an essay that truly stands out.
H2: The “Generic” Essay: Why Clichés Won’t Cut It
One of the biggest mistakes students make is opting for a generic essay. These are essays that could apply to almost anyone. They lack the specific details and personal reflection that make an essay memorable. Think about it: admissions officers read thousands of essays. How do you make yours stick in their minds? By being unique and authentically you.
H3: Overused Topics to Steer Clear Of
Certain topics have become so prevalent that admissions officers see them repeatedly. While these experiences might be meaningful to you, they often lack the depth needed to differentiate your essay. Consider these common culprits:
- The Sports Victory: Unless your experience is extraordinarily unique and reveals something profound about you beyond the game itself, avoid recounting a championship win.
- The Mission Trip: While admirable, mission trips are often described similarly, focusing on surface-level observations rather than deep introspection.
- The Death of a Pet: This can be a powerful experience, but it’s also very common and can easily come across as overly sentimental if not handled with extreme care.
- The “I Overcame My Disability” Narrative: Again, this can be impactful, but it requires a nuanced approach to avoid sounding overly simplistic or like a plea for sympathy.
H2: The “Resume Dump”: Don’t Just List Your Achievements
Your college application already includes a list of your activities, awards, and achievements. Your essay isn’t the place to reiterate those points. Instead, use the essay to showcase a specific experience that reveals something about your character, values, and passions.
H3: Focusing on What You’ve Done, Not Who You Are
Instead of simply listing your volunteer hours or leadership positions, delve into why you chose to volunteer. What did you learn about yourself? What challenges did you face? How did it shape your perspective? The essay should be about your personal growth and the lessons you’ve learned.
H2: The “Bragging” Essay: Humility is Key
While you want to showcase your strengths, avoid coming across as arrogant or self-absorbed. The college essay isn’t the place to boast about your accomplishments. Instead, focus on your growth, your challenges, and the lessons you’ve learned.
H3: Avoiding Excessive Self-Praise
Rather than telling the reader how brilliant you are, show them through your actions, your reflections, and your insights. For example, instead of saying “I am a natural leader,” describe a time you led a team, explaining the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
H2: The “Forgone Conclusion” Essay: Don’t Tell, Show, and Don’t Assume
Some essay topics are so predictable that they lack originality. Avoid essays that simply state the obvious or reiterate information already presented elsewhere in your application.
H3: Essays That Lack Depth or Insight
The best essays offer a unique perspective and a nuanced understanding of the topic. They go beyond surface-level observations and offer compelling insights. Avoid essays that feel rushed or superficial.
H2: The “Complaint” Essay: Keep It Positive (Mostly)
While it’s okay to address challenges or setbacks, avoid writing an essay that’s primarily negative or filled with complaints. Focus on how you overcame adversity or learned from a difficult experience.
H3: Focusing on Solutions, Not Problems
Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of a situation, highlight your resilience, your ability to learn from mistakes, and your capacity for growth. Show how you transformed a negative experience into a positive one.
H2: The “Attempted Humor” Essay: Tread Carefully
Humor can be a great tool, but it’s also risky. What you find funny might not resonate with the admissions reader, and a poorly executed attempt at humor can backfire.
H3: When Humor Goes Wrong
If you choose to use humor, make sure it’s appropriate, relevant, and well-executed. Avoid offensive jokes, sarcasm, or anything that could be misinterpreted. The goal is to show your personality, not to make the reader uncomfortable.
H2: The “Unclear” Essay: Make Your Point Crystal Clear
Your essay should have a clear focus and a central theme. Avoid rambling, tangents, or unclear writing. Your essay should have a purpose.
H3: Avoiding Ambiguity and Vagueness
Make sure your essay’s purpose is clear from the very beginning. State your main idea or thesis and provide supporting details that illustrate your point. Ensure every paragraph contributes to the overall narrative.
H2: The “Forgettable” Essay: Aim for Impact
Your essay should leave a lasting impression. It should be memorable, engaging, and thought-provoking. Aim to stand out from the crowd.
H3: Crafting a Narrative That Matters
Use vivid language, compelling storytelling, and personal reflection to create an essay that resonates with the reader. Show your personality, your values, and your passions. Make them remember you.
H2: The “Grammar and Spelling Disaster”: Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!
This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial. Poor grammar, spelling errors, and punctuation mistakes can undermine even the most brilliant essay.
H3: The Importance of Editing and Revision
Proofread your essay multiple times. Ask teachers, counselors, and trusted friends or family members to read it over and provide feedback. Don’t submit anything until it’s polished to perfection.
H2: The “Overly Edited” Essay: Maintain Your Voice
While feedback is essential, avoid letting others rewrite your essay entirely. The essay should sound like you.
H3: Finding the Right Balance
Seek guidance and suggestions, but ultimately, the essay should reflect your own voice and perspective. Don’t let someone else’s writing style overshadow your own.
FAQs to Help You Avoid the Pitfalls
- What if I did do something common, like go on a mission trip? The key is how you write about it. Focus on the specific moments, emotions, and insights that were unique to your experience. Did you learn something unexpected? Did your perspective change?
- Is it okay to write about something negative? Absolutely! But the focus should be on how you overcame the adversity, not just the adversity itself. Show your resilience and what you learned.
- How do I make sure my essay is unique? Start by brainstorming experiences that are truly meaningful to you. Don’t try to force a topic. The best essays come from genuine reflection.
- What if I’m not a “writer”? Don’t worry about being a literary genius. Focus on being authentic and honest. Good writing is about clear communication and genuine expression.
- How many drafts should I write? Aim for multiple drafts, revisions, and edits. The writing process is iterative. The more you refine your essay, the better it will be.
Conclusion: Crafting Your College Essay Masterpiece
Writing a compelling college essay is a significant undertaking. By understanding what to avoid, you can significantly increase your chances of crafting an essay that resonates with admissions officers. Remember to prioritize authenticity, show don’t tell, and focus on your personal growth and insights. Steer clear of generic topics, avoid the “resume dump,” and proofread meticulously. By following these guidelines and heeding these warnings, you can write an essay that showcases your unique qualities and helps you stand out from the crowd. The college essay is your chance to shine – make it count!