Is writing my college essay about being a twin too cliché?

Writing about being a twin can feel risky because, like you mentioned, it's a pretty common topic. Many students with twins or siblings consider it since it often shapes their experience in big ways. That doesn't mean you should avoid it, but you do need to give admission officers something they're unlikely to have read before.

What usually falls flat is an essay that only talks about shared experiences, general sibling rivalry, or the struggle for individuality in broad terms. To make your essay stand out, focus on a specific moment or choice that captures the tension or growth you’ve experienced as a twin. Try to identify a conflict, realization, or turning point that pushed you to discover your own path—something that could only have happened because of your unique relationship with your twin.

For example, instead of writing, "people always see us as a pair, so I worked to be independent," you might describe a particular instance—a time when you and your sister wanted to join the same club but realized you’d thrive better separately. Maybe you made a difficult choice to go out for something she didn’t, or you navigated a misunderstanding where teachers confused your interests. Tell the story through this moment, exploring your thoughts and the emotional journey. Was there something you discovered about yourself in the process that surprised you?

One student wrote about being mistaken for her twin during a school event and deciding, in that specific moment, to introduce herself as only herself without referencing her sister. Detailing her nervousness and eventual pride created a compelling, personal narrative that was unique to her twin experience, not just twinhood in general.

So, the topic can work if you go beyond the surface. Make it your story, not a 'twin' story. Use detailed action, honest reflection, and specific examples so readers get to know you—separate from the twin bond but also because of it. That's the best way to avoid cliché and ensure your essay feels fresh.