Hi everyone! I'm a junior who's working on my college essays and I want to make sure I avoid any major pitfalls. What are some things that I should definitely not include in my essays? Are there any common mistakes that I should watch out for? Thanks for your advice!
Hey there! It's great that you're starting early on your college essays. I've seen this process with my own child, so I can offer some advice on things to avoid.
First, stay away from controversial topics like politics or religion unless you're confident you can approach them thoughtfully and respectfully. These topics can be polarizing, and you don't want to risk alienating your reader.
Second, avoid using clichés or overused phrases. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, and they'll quickly notice if your essay sounds like everyone else's. Be original and authentic in your writing.
It's also essential to keep your essay focused on you. While it may be tempting to write about a famous person or event, remember that the essay is meant to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and perspective.
Avoid using overly complex vocabulary or trying too hard to impress with your writing. Just be yourself and write in a clear, concise manner.
Lastly, make sure your essay is well-edited and free of grammatical and spelling errors. It's always a good idea to have someone else proofread your essay, as they might catch mistakes that you didn't notice.
Overall, just be genuine and honest in your essay, and you'll avoid most common pitfalls. Good luck with your writing!
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