What are some college essay topics I should definitely avoid?

This is a great question, and you’re right to be thoughtful about avoiding cliché or off-putting topics in your Common App essay! Some topics are so common that admissions officers see them over and over, which can make it a lot harder for you to stand out—unless your approach is truly unique.

Here are some of the most common topics to avoid:

1. Sports victories or injuries: Writing about winning "the big game," losing and what you learned, or recovering from an injury is very overdone. Unless sports have affected you in an unconventional way (for example, forming lifelong friendships in a co-ed adult league after an injury), it’s best to steer clear.

2. Tragedies without reflection: Topics like the death of a pet or family member, divorce, or a breakup can be challenging. Admissions officers see a lot of essays about hardship. If you do write about tragedy, focus on YOUR personal growth, not just the event itself. For example, instead of only describing losing a loved one, discuss a specific moment in the grieving process that inspired a new perspective or commitment, like organizing a community remembrance event.

3. Mission trips or volunteering with underprivileged communities: These essays often risk centering the writer as a 'savior' or appearing insincere. Unless you can focus on a nuanced, personal moment—such as how an interaction challenged your worldview or inspired you to start a local project—it’s safest to avoid the classic "helped others and found myself" narrative.

4. Moving schools or immigrating: Moving or transitioning to a new environment is significant—but very common. Focus on a unique story within this broader experience. For instance, maybe you created a club to help newcomers, or there was a single interaction that pushed you to advocate for inclusion.

5. Overly controversial or risky topics: Essays that focus on illegal activities, politics (if written in a divisive way), or confessions of serious wrongdoing can come off the wrong way. If you absolutely must go there, be sure you’re thoughtful and show deep self-reflection and growth.

Some topics seem like good ideas but typically miss the mark:
- Listing achievements, resumes, or bragging: Admissions already have your resume. Use your essay to reveal personality, values, and growth instead.
- Essays about romantic relationships: These often come across as cliché unless the relationship ties into a deeper theme about your values or a turning point in your life.

My advice? Choose a topic that only you could write. Focus on small moments that reveal something unique about your character, passions, or worldview. For example, maybe you spent a summer trying to master a magic trick and learned about persistence and creativity–that’s much more memorable than a generic leadership essay.

Remember, it’s less about the "what" and more about the "how"—your perspective and voice should shine through!