What should I avoid including in my college essay?

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by all the advice out there—college essays can start to feel like a minefield! Here are some clear guidelines on what to avoid, plus tips for crafting a memorable essay that won’t get lost in the pile.

First, avoid cliché topics unless you can bring a truly unique, personal spin to them. Some of the most overused stories revolve around sports victories or injuries, dramatic moves to a new school, overcoming a tough class with hard work, or generalized summaries of identity like the immigrant journey. For instance, instead of a standard story about tearing your ACL and learning perseverance, you could write about creating a playlist for your team to stay motivated during practices—a detail that feels personal and specific to you.

Be cautious with trauma or deeply personal hardships. Writing about trauma isn’t inherently ‘bad,’ but admissions officers aren’t therapists. Instead of centering on the trauma itself, focus on your response, growth, and how it shaped your outlook. For example, if you lost someone important, don’t dwell entirely on the grief; maybe share a moment you honored their memory through a project or tradition you started.

Avoid essays that make you sound arrogant or insincere. Statements like “Ever since I was born, I’ve wanted to change the world,” or listing achievements without context can feel boastful or generic. The most impactful essays tend to be humble, honest, and focused on reflection.

Humor is fine, but it’s about balance. If humor comes naturally to your voice, it can help you stand out, as long as you’re respectful and genuine. Admissions officers aren’t looking for a standup routine, but thoughtful wit or self-awareness is welcome. For example, if you use a bit of humor to illustrate your relationship with your quirky hobby, that can be charming—just avoid sarcasm or jokes at others’ expense.

Other things to avoid:
- Anything that’s not appropriate for a classroom setting
- Essays that focus on someone else (a grandparent, coach, teacher) so much that the reader learns more about them than you
- Trying too hard to impress by using big words or a forced style

Overall, admissions officers want to hear YOUR voice—and they enjoy reading essays that surprise them with a new perspective or a specific story. Take risks with your honesty and specificity, not with shock value or forced drama. Aim for an essay where, if you dropped it in the hallway, a friend would instantly know it’s yours because of the details and personality.

You’re thinking about this the right way! As you brainstorm, jot down moments that truly meant something to you, even if they seem ordinary. Unusual, authentic stories—a chess tournament meltdown, a failed attempt at baking, a stubborn debate you had with a sibling—can often reveal more about you than big, dramatic events.