what not to write about in a college essay

3 min read 02-02-2025

what not to write about in a college essay

Choosing a college essay topic can be daunting. You want to showcase your personality and achievements while impressing admissions officers. But some topics are better left untouched. This article explores common pitfalls to avoid when crafting your college essay. Choosing wisely is crucial for a strong application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your College Essay

Here are some topics to avoid in your college essay to ensure your application stands out for the right reasons.

1. Overused and Clichéd Topics

Avoid these well-trodden paths that offer little insight into your unique perspective.

The Sports Game/Competition: While achievements are important, recounting a generic game narrative rarely provides unique insight. Unless your essay offers a profound, unexpected twist on the theme, it's likely to be forgettable. Focus on the lessons learned, not just the win.
The Mission Trip/Volunteer Work: Service is admirable, but avoid generic descriptions of volunteering. Instead, focus on a specific anecdote that reveals something unique about your character or perspective. What did you learn? How did it change you?
Death of a Loved One: While dealing with loss is a significant life event, approaching it solely through the lens of grief might overshadow your personal growth. Focus on the lessons learned and how it shaped your perspective. Avoid overly sentimental or melodramatic narratives.
Generic "Overcoming Challenges" Essays: Everyone faces challenges. What makes your challenge unique and what did you learn from overcoming it? Avoid generic statements and focus on specifics.

2. Writing About Controversial Topics

While showcasing your opinions is important, be mindful of the potential for your views to alienate admissions officers.

Highly Political or Religious Essays: Unless the essay directly relates to your academic goals or personal growth in a nuanced way, avoid overtly political or religious discussions. These can distract from your qualifications and create unnecessary biases.
Essays about Illegal Activities: Do not write about engaging in illegal activities, regardless of your intentions or consequences. This is a major red flag and can seriously harm your application.

3. Topics Lacking Self-Reflection

Your essay is a chance to showcase self-awareness and critical thinking. Avoid these pitfalls:

List of Accomplishments: Don't simply list awards and achievements. Focus on the process, the challenges, and the lessons you learned from each experience. Show, don't just tell.
Superficial Descriptions: Provide detailed anecdotes that paint a vivid picture. Avoid bland descriptions and focus on specific details that bring your story to life.
Lack of Personal Growth: The most compelling essays show a journey of growth and learning. Highlight how you've changed, evolved, and developed as a person.

4. Poorly Written or Edited Essays

This is crucial! Your essay is a reflection of your writing skills and attention to detail.

Grammatical Errors and Typos: Proofread carefully. Grammar and spelling errors show carelessness and can severely damage your application. Utilize grammar-checking tools and seek feedback from trusted sources.
Lack of Clarity and Focus: Ensure your essay has a clear thesis statement and a cohesive structure. Each paragraph should contribute to your overall message.
Excessively Long or Short Essays: Adhere to the essay's word count limits. Essays that are too long or too short indicate a lack of planning and attention to detail.

What to Write About Instead

Focus on your unique experiences, perspectives, and personal growth. Consider essays centered around:

A Significant Failure and What You Learned: Everyone makes mistakes. Focus on how you overcame setbacks and the lessons learned from your failures.
An Unusual Hobby or Interest: Show your personality and passions through a unique hobby or interest that sets you apart.
A Pivotal Moment of Self-Discovery: Share a story that led to a significant realization or shift in your perspective.
An Overlooked Achievement: Discuss an accomplishment that might not be readily apparent but showcases your strengths and character.

Remember, the goal is to present a compelling narrative that showcases your unique qualities and potential. By avoiding these pitfalls and focusing on thoughtful self-reflection, you can write a college essay that truly represents who you are.