What should I avoid mentioning in my college essay?

When writing your college essay, the main thing is to present yourself in a positive, authentic, and thoughtful way. There are definitely some topics and approaches that you’ll want to avoid to keep your application strong.

First, steer clear of cliché topics unless you can bring a truly unique and personal spin. Admissions officers see hundreds of essays about sports injuries, moving schools, challenging classes, and winning or losing the big game. For example, instead of detailing how an injury taught you determination, focus on a single, memorable moment during your recovery that reveals something deeper about you—a hobby it pushed you to discover or a relationship it changed.

Be careful with humor, especially jokes that might be interpreted as offensive, sarcastic, or insensitive. Humor can be risky because what makes your friends laugh might not translate well to a reader who doesn’t know you, so avoid jokes about controversial topics or anything that could be misunderstood.

It’s wise to approach political or religious topics cautiously. If these things are central to your identity or experiences, it’s fine to talk about them. However, avoid being disrespectful toward anyone with opposing views, and don’t frame your beliefs as the “right” or “only” way. Admissions readers appreciate nuance and self-awareness.

When discussing mistakes or failures, make sure you highlight your growth and what you learned rather than focusing on the negative itself. For example, don’t simply confess to cheating on a test and leave it at that. Instead, briefly describe the situation, but spend most of the essay on how you changed, what you learned, and how it affected your outlook or actions afterwards.

Above all, avoid anything illegal or deeply inappropriate, like illegal activities or graphic, explicit topics. These can raise red flags. Even if you’re demonstrating growth, some things are better left for other contexts.

Here’s an example of an off-putting approach: writing an essay about partying in high school, justifying poor decisions, or making fun of others (even in jest) will generally make a bad impression. Instead, focus on experiences that showcase your maturity, curiosity, resilience, or compassion.

Finally, don’t complain or blame others for your circumstances. Instead, focus on personal responsibility and agency, showing admissions officers who you are today and who you’re becoming.

If you keep your essay honest, reflective, and focused on growth and identity, you’re far more likely to create a memorable and compelling piece.