The main objective of your college essay is to give a glimpse into who you are. When you’re writing your essay, picture the reader comparing you to someone with the same GPA and ACT or SAT scores. Your essay is a chance to set yourself apart and show them that you are a good fit for their school.
When you’re thinking about topics to avoid, steer clear of cliches and experiences that are commonplace. Below are the top 10 topics you should not be writing about.
1. Failing your road test
The majority of high school students take their road tests between 15 and 17. Many students fail. It’s not that big of a deal, and shouldn’t be your defining moment in this essay.
2. A grandparent’s death
I know this is a devastating event, and you might be really close with your grandparents, but a lot of people experience the death of a grandparent during high school. Because of that fact, this is not going to be a “wow” essay for admissions counselors. They have likely read a similar essay already.
3. Your parents’ divorce
Another sad topic, but with more than 50% of marriages end in divorce, applicants are more likely to have divorced parents than not. It’s a completely tragic experience, but you will struggle to differentiate yourself if you choose this topic.
4. Your trip to a foreign country
Trips can be exhilarating experiences as well as informative ones when it comes to broadening your perspective. However, this is another experience that is common. Rather than describing your volunteer excursion to Costa Rica, choose something that you’ve done over a prolonged period of time.
5. Not making varsity
It’s definitely tough making varsity sports, and it can be disappointing when you don’t make the team. But this narrative is shared by many students all across the country. This topic does not warrant an entire essay about it.
6. Racy topics
You don’t want to talk about things that could be deemed inappropriate to a reader. This includes drug use, sex, or the time you were in jail. There shouldn’t be any possibility that your essay will make someone else uncomfortable.
7. List of all of your accomplishments
Your college essay is your chance to let the admissions officer dive deep and get a clear picture of who you are. You’ve already listed your resume on the other portion of your application; use your essay to tell a story through personal anecdotes.
8. Your experience as a twin
You might be unique in your grade at your high school, but there are tons of twins who apply to each college and most twins write about their experience as a twin. Don’t be THAT twin.
9. Your strong political or religious beliefs
It’s great to be politically or religiously minded, but keep in mind that your reader may not share your beliefs. You don’t want a difference of opinion to cloud their view of you as a potential student.
10. Your parent or grandparent as your role model
You know who most students cite as their role models? Their parents (or grandparents). You know how hard it is to make your essay stand out when you’re talking about how amazing your family member is? Super hard. You don’t have to jump through that hoop.
Remember, you want your essay to showcase your uniqueness. Set yourself up for success and avoid trite topics that every other student is bound to use.