Five College Application Essays That Suck
Published on: by SupertutorTV
Introduction
Are you applying to college soon or in the process of writing your common application essays? In this episode of Super Tutor TV, we discuss five cliche essay topics to avoid in order to create a standout college application.
The 'Here is My Resume' Essay
The 'Here is My Resume' Essay is essentially an essay that is a resume in paragraph form. It is a summary of activities that can be bullet-pointed in the activity section of the Common Application. This type of essay lacks depth and fails to showcase the emotions, inspirations, and deeper reasons behind the activities. To avoid this essay topic, students should focus on telling stories, exploring emotions, and delving into the 'why' and 'how' behind their activities. By infusing their essays with stories or ideas, students can create a more engaging and unique application essay.
Students should steer clear of the 'Here is My Resume' Essay as it offers little insight into who they are beyond their activities and achievements. Admissions officers are looking for a deeper understanding of the applicant's character, motivations, and passions. By avoiding this cliché essay topic, students can craft essays that are more compelling, personal, and reflective of their true selves.
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Try it nowThe 'I Got an A' Essay
The 'I Got an A' Essay is a common essay topic where students discuss an academic achievement, such as excelling in a class or competition, through hard work and determination. While this may seem like a significant accomplishment, this type of essay can come across as cliche and unoriginal. Admissions officers are looking for more than just academic success on paper; they want to see a well-rounded individual with unique experiences and perspectives. To avoid this essay topic, students should focus on sharing stories that go beyond simple achievements and delve into their passions, interests, and personal growth.
By steering clear of the 'I Got an A' Essay, students can create more impactful and memorable application essays that showcase their individuality and depth. Admissions officers are seeking authentic and reflective essays that offer insight into the applicant's character, values, and aspirations. Students should aim to showcase their personality, creativity, and uniqueness in their essays to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee.
The Mission Trip Essay
The Mission Trip Essay is a common essay topic where students write about their experiences on a mission trip or volunteer service project. While this topic may seem noble and altruistic, it often leads to generic and predictable essays. Admissions officers read numerous essays on mission trips, and without a unique perspective or original narrative, these essays can lack impact and fail to differentiate the applicant. To avoid this cliché essay topic, students should focus on sharing experiences that are personal, insightful, and reveal deeper aspects of their character beyond surface-level volunteering experiences.
By avoiding the generic Mission Trip Essay, students can create more engaging and authentic application essays that reflect their individuality and values. Admissions officers are looking for essays that are compelling, reflective, and showcase the applicant's unique qualities and perspectives. Students should aim to tell stories that are personal, insightful, and provide a deeper understanding of who they are as individuals.
The Generic Answer Essay
The Generic Answer Essay is an essay topic where students provide generic responses to essay prompts without delving into specific details or personal narratives. These essays lack depth, authenticity, and fail to showcase the applicant's personality or unique qualities. Admissions officers are looking for essays that are genuine, engaging, and reveal insight into the applicant's character and experiences. To avoid this essay topic, students should focus on providing specific details, personal stories, and reflections that showcase their individuality and perspectives.
By steering clear of the Generic Answer Essay, students can create more impactful and memorable application essays that resonate with admissions officers. It is essential for applicants to provide genuine and compelling essays that offer a glimpse into their lives, passions, and aspirations. Students should aim to make their essays personal, detailed, and reflective to stand out in the competitive college application process.
The Jesus Essay
The Jesus Essay refers to essays that revolve around religious conversion experiences, particularly within Christianity. While these essays may hold personal significance, they can be risky in a general college application context. Admissions officers seek essays that are inclusive, engaging, and reflective of diverse perspectives. Writing exclusively about religious experiences may limit the audience appeal and impact of the essay. To navigate this topic, students can explore religious themes from an academic or unique perspective, focusing on personal growth or lesser-known religious practices.
It is important for students to approach the topic of religion carefully in their college application essays, considering the broader audience and context in which their essays will be read. By balancing personal beliefs with a broader perspective, applicants can create essays that are insightful, engaging, and respectful of diverse perspectives. Students should seek to showcase their depth, curiosity, and individuality in their essays while navigating potentially sensitive topics like religion with sensitivity and inclusivity.
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Try it nowHighlights
- Avoid cliche essay topics to stand out
- Focus on storytelling and personal insights
- Share unique experiences and perspectives
- Highlight individuality and passions
- Avoid generic and predictable content
FAQ
A: Writing an essay solely focused on listing accomplishments and activities does not showcase your personality or depth. Essays should delve into your motivations, inspirations, and emotions.
A: These essays often lack depth and fail to reveal unique aspects of your character. Instead of focusing solely on academic achievements, explore personal growth, challenges, and passions.
A: Mission trip essays often follow a formulaic narrative of self-realization and helping others. To stand out, share experiences that reveal more about your character and values beyond the surface level.
A: Provide specific details, personal anecdotes, and insights that demonstrate your individuality and depth. Avoid vague responses that could apply to anyone.
A: Personal religious experiences, especially conventional conversion stories, may come across as polarizing or unoriginal in a general college application. Consider exploring religion from an academic or unique perspective instead.
See Also
Five Tips for the SAT Reading Section
How to Impress Colleges with Your Extracurricular Activities
Top SAT Calculator Hacks to Improve Your Math Score
Three College Essays That Work