Most overused phrases in college applications?

As I start to work on my college applications I want to make sure I'm being original. What phrases should I avoid to ensure my application stands out? Does anyone have a list of commonly overused phrases?

Great initiative! Steering clear of overused phrases can help your application be more distinctive. Here are some overused phrases that you might consider avoiding:

1. "I have always wanted to..." - The phrase can come across as cliché, and it's often followed by generic goals without much personal backstory to support them.

2. "I am passionate about..." - This phrase is overused and doesn't necessarily communicate true passion as it's often not followed with concrete examples indicating why and how the student developed the passion.

3. " From a young age..." - Unless there's a truly exceptional story attached, this phrase is often seen as a filler and doesn't usually add much value.

4. "I learned the value of hard work when..." - This phrase can sound cliché, especially if the following experience is fairly common (like a sports related story).

5. "I will bring diversity to..." - It's important to tell schools how you'll contribute, but find a more original or specific way to express it. This phrase has become buzzwordy and lacks specificity.

6. "This experience changed my life..." - Unless there's a really meaningful transformation attached, this phrase can come across as dramatic or overstated.

Remember, uniqueness comes not only from avoiding clichés but also by being introspective and authentic in your answers. Try to share specific individual experiences, thoughts, and learnings. For example, instead of broadly stating that you're passionate about climate change, delve into a particular encounter you had, like a science fair project on the carbon footprint of fast fashion, and how that sparked your interest. Detail, personality, and authenticity can set your application apart.