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We recently covered our four top tips for writing a great, personal college application essay. Here are a few DON’Ts to keep in mind as well.
College Application Essay DON’Ts
- DON’T write a school essay. Your college application essay should not include a thesis statement, introduction paragraph, etc. You are not making an argument; you are telling a story that gives insight into you as a person.
- School thesis: “When I qualified for Nationals at DECA, I transitioned to adulthood because I overcame my fear, worked efficiently with my teammate, and I accomplished more than I thought I could.”
- College essay: “Though the room had been noisy and raucous moments before, as soon as the judges stood up to reveal their decision, I couldn’t hear a thing. I realized we had made it to Nationals only when my teammate started jumping up and down and hugging me.”
- DON’T write about generic or clichéd topics. Have a little compassion for those poor essay readers. You are one of thousands and thousands of students writing an application essay this year, so try to write about an unusual topic or at least to take a unique angle in order to make it interesting. (Hint: Topics like sports, extracurricular activities, and community service are not your best friend.)
- Generic: “I would be a great addition because I pay attention to details, I strive to be the best I can be, and I push those around me to excel. I demonstrated this over the past year as captain of my soccer team.”
- Unique: “I choose to write in cursive because it honors history and tradition. Cursive does not settle for ordinary; it thrives on creativity. Emulating the beauty of the Declaration of Independence, the swoop of a “t” and the tip of an “r,” shows my American pride.
- DON’T be a Disney movie. Yes, we have all overcome problems, had life-changing experiences, and found solutions to sticky problems, but we’ve also all realized that life goes on after those moments. Pretending like you’ve figured it all out and that life is perfect in the end doesn’t make a great (or convincing) essay.
- Disney: “When I finally recovered from surgery, I realized my disability would never hold me back again, and I knew that my life will be as great as I want it to be.”
- Reality: “Recovering from surgery taught me more than I thought possible. I learned that I am capable of more than I give myself credit for, and I learned the value of patience and faith. I also learned that struggling is a part of life. Although it may be odd to most, I believe that struggling is a positive part of life because it keeps one humble and grateful.”
- DON’T jump on the bandwagon. Although current events are important, writing an essay about them can be a bad idea because so many students will be writing on the same topic.
- Bandwagon: Election of 2016, transgender bathroom laws, gay marriage
Still stumped? Our college planners are standing by to help you with the whole application process, from essays to college tours. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment: 720-216-2222.