The college essay is one of the few opportunities for students to demonstrate their personality, values, and unique perspective to admissions officers. Unfortunately, many applicants fall into the trap of writing about overused, clichéd topics, making it harder for their essays to stand out. While these subjects may seem meaningful, admissions officers have read countless essays on the same themes. Here, we’ll explore some common college essay clichés and offer tips for avoiding them.
1. The Sports Victory or Defeat
Many students write about a pivotal moment in a game—whether it’s scoring the winning goal or bouncing back after a loss. While sports can teach valuable lessons about teamwork and perseverance, these essays often lack originality.
What to Do Instead:
Focus on a specific, lesser-known moment that shaped your character. For example, describe how mentoring a younger teammate helped you develop leadership skills, or reflect on how managing the demands of athletics and academics taught you resilience.
2. The Mission Trip or Volunteering Abroad
Stories about volunteering in underprivileged communities often aim to showcase compassion but can unintentionally sound self-serving or generic. Admissions officers frequently see essays about how a student’s worldview changed after helping others in a foreign country.
What to Do Instead:
Write about a smaller, local act of service that had a meaningful impact. Highlight how you took initiative to address a specific problem in your community and what that experience taught you about empathy and responsibility.
3. Overcoming a Minor Challenge
Essays about bouncing back from small obstacles, such as earning a disappointing grade or losing a school election, can come across as lacking depth. Admissions officers are looking for evidence of significant growth, not just a temporary setback.
What to Do Instead:
If you want to write about a challenge, choose one that truly changed your perspective or shaped your goals. Be honest about your struggles and focus on how you grew as a person. It’s not about the size of the challenge but the insight you gained.
4. The Inspirational Figure
Writing about a person who has inspired you—such as a parent, teacher, or historical figure—is a common approach. However, these essays often focus too much on the other person, leaving little room to highlight the applicant’s own qualities.
What to Do Instead:
If you choose to write about someone who inspires you, ensure the essay is centered on your growth or actions. For example, instead of simply describing how your coach motivated you, explore how their mentorship inspired you to take on leadership roles in your community.
5. The "Big Reveal" Essay
Essays that rely on a dramatic surprise or twist—such as discovering a hidden talent or revealing a secret about yourself—can come across as gimmicky. Admissions officers are more interested in authenticity than theatrics.
What to Do Instead:
Focus on telling a genuine story that reflects your values and aspirations. A subtle, well-told moment that reveals your personality will resonate more than a contrived plot twist.
Quick Tips for Writing a Standout Essay
To craft a memorable college essay, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Be Specific: Use vivid details and examples to make your story come alive. Avoid generalizations and clichés.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of saying, “I’m a hard worker,” describe a situation that demonstrates your determination.
- Highlight Your Unique Perspective: Think about what makes your experience or viewpoint different from others.
- Be Authentic: Write in your voice and avoid over-polishing your essay. Admissions officers want to hear from YOU, not a version of you shaped by others.
Your college essay is a chance to connect with admissions officers on a personal level. By steering clear of clichés and focusing on your authentic story, you can create an essay that leaves a lasting impression.
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