Your College Essay: The Make or Break Moment Part Two

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Here are some common traps students fall into when writing their essays and how to avoid them:

  1. Clichés and Overused Topics: Writing about how “winning taught me to work hard” or “I want to help people” can be true, but they’re overused and generic. If you choose a common topic, find a unique angle or personal story that sets it apart.
  2. Focusing Too Much on Others: While writing about a person who inspired you is fine, remember that the essay should be about you, not them. How did that person’s influence change your life? What did you learn from their example?
  3. Writing a Resume in Paragraph Form: Don’t just list your achievements. That’s what the rest of your application is for. Your essay should focus on a specific moment, experience, or challenge.
  4. Not Proofreading: One of the quickest ways to leave a negative impression is with spelling or grammar mistakes. Take the time to carefully proofread your essay and have others review it. A fresh set of eyes can catch errors you might overlook.

Show, Don’t Tell

“Show, don’t tell” is one of the most common pieces of writing advice for a reason. Instead of saying, “I’m determined,” show that determination through a story. Maybe you spent months developing a project that failed, but you kept going until you succeeded. Let your story do the talking for you. The more vividly you can paint a picture for the reader, the more engaged they’ll be with your essay.

Your Voice Matters

One of the most important elements of your college essay is your voice. Admissions officers want to hear you speaking through your writing. Don’t try to sound like a different version of yourself or overly formal. Be conversational, be real, and let your personality shine through.

Your voice should be genuine. If humor comes naturally to you, don’t be afraid to use it. If you’re more introspective, that’s okay too. What matters is that you stay true to yourself. The essay is a reflection of who you are, and it should sound like you—not a perfect, idealized version of a college applicant.

The Bottom Line

The college essay is one of the most critical aspects of your application. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, your experiences, and your growth. The best essays are authentic, reflective, and specific. They go beyond accomplishments and show who you are as a person, how you’ve learned from life’s challenges, and how you’ll contribute to the college community.

Remember, your essay doesn’t need to be a grand tale of life-changing adventures. What matters is how you tell your story. Be yourself, reflect deeply, and give admissions officers a reason to remember your name. You’ve got this!


By Loren Francis