What are some examples of the worst college essay mistakes people have made?

Feeling nervous about your essay ideas is totally normal, but knowing what pitfalls to avoid can give you some peace of mind. A college essay usually flops when it comes across as insincere, cliché, or inappropriate. Here are some of the most common 'worst mistakes' applicants have made:

1. Relying on clichés or overused topics: Admissions officers read thousands of essays about 'winning the big game,' 'overcoming a sports injury,' or 'moving to a new school.' These stories aren’t automatically bad, but most students write them in predictable ways. If you take a common topic, make sure it's told from a unique angle only you could describe. For example, rather than just talking about hard work in a class, focus on a very specific, personal moment that changed your outlook.

2. Writing about illegal or inappropriate behavior: Some students try to shock with stories of drug use, cheating, or illegal activities, believing it will make them stand out. This usually backfires unless it’s paired with genuine reflection and growth, and even then, it’s a huge risk.

3. Coming off as arrogant or entitled: Bragging about achievements without humility, or implying you’re above others (even accidentally), can be really off-putting. One real example: an applicant wrote about how he was 'better than his teachers' and ended up sounding condescending. Instead, highlight teamwork, curiosity, or growth.

4. Sounding too negative or bitter: Some essays focus on traumatic experiences or grievances but never show a positive takeaway or resilience. Admissions officers want to see how you grew or adapted, not just that something bad happened. Make sure your story leads to hope, insight, or personal growth.

5. Not answering the prompt or being off-topic: It happens more often than you’d think. Make sure your essay actually responds to the question being asked. Tangents or essays that could have been sent to any school are unlikely to impress.

6. Major formatting or grammatical errors: Submitting an essay with lots of typos or without proofreading signals a lack of effort. One cringe-worthy error: using another school’s name by mistake.

As an example, a student once wrote about his summer internship and spent the entire essay describing corporate spreadsheets, never including any reflection about himself. The result? The admission officer felt like they knew nothing about him as a person. Be sure your essay reveals who you are beyond your GPA and activities.

The best essays are authentic, specific, and centered on personal growth or values, even when the topic seems 'boring.' Don’t discount the power of a small, meaningful story that only you could tell. And most of all, don’t try too hard to impress; just focus on telling your story honestly.