Common Mistakes in College Essays

What's up, everyone? I'm starting to work on my college essays and I want to avoid common pitfalls that could make my essay look bad. Does anyone have examples of what NOT to do when writing a college essay? Any advice would be really helpful! Thanks!

Hey there! It's great that you're being proactive about avoiding common mistakes in your college essays. I'm happy to provide you with some examples and advice on what NOT to do when writing your essay:

1. Overused Topics: Avoid cliché topics like sports injuries, coming-of-age experiences, and sob stories about overcoming challenges. Those types of essays tend to be less engaging and fail to stand out among applicants. Instead, try to focus on personal, unique stories that showcase your personality and perspective.

2. Generic Writing: Stay away from generic statements or platitudes that don't actually say anything insightful about you. For instance, starting your essay with something like "I've always been passionate about..." is too vague and won't hook the reader. Begin your essay with an engaging anecdote or a creative hook that showcases your personality right from the start.

3. Not Being Authentic: Don't try to write what you think the admissions officers want to hear. Instead, be genuine and honest about your experiences, opinions, and goals. Your authenticity will shine through, and it's what will make your essay stand out.

4. Overusing Thesaurus: Using big, fancy words just for the sake of it often leads to awkward sentences and a fake, impersonal tone. Stick to your natural voice and use language that you're comfortable and familiar with.

5. Lack of Focus: Stay on topic and keep your essay focused on a central theme or idea. Avoid rambling or trying to include too many unrelated points. The reader should have a clear understanding of the message you're trying to convey.

6. Poor Grammar: It seems obvious, but it's crucial to proofread your essay for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. These minor mistakes can make your essay look unpolished and reflect poorly on you. Having someone else look over your essay can also help catch errors you might have missed.

7. Not Following Instructions: Make sure you're answering the specific essay prompt and adhering to the word count. Failing to do so could give the impression that you're not detail-oriented or didn't take the process seriously.

8. Negativity: While it's okay to discuss challenges and setbacks, avoid focusing solely on the negative aspects. Show how you've grown from those experiences and frame them in a positive light.

In short, the key to writing a successful college essay is to be authentic, focused, and engaging. Choose a unique topic and stay true to your voice, while avoiding overused themes and clichés. Best of luck with your college essays!