Last Minute Tips: Common Mistakes in Your College Essay

Avoid These Clichés and Mistakes in Your College Essay

Your college essay is one of the most personal parts of your application—so don’t let it sound like everyone else’s. And with a few quick tips, you can avoid making a less than ideal first impression.

Every year, admissions officers read thousands of essays that blur together because they’re filled with the same stories, phrases, and writing traps. Here are some common clichés and mistakes to avoid so your essay stands out and doesn't come across the wrong way. I will also talk about how to write a personal essay for college overall so subscribe to my blog so you don't miss out!

1. The “Savior” Story

Helping others is great, but essays that center on “saving” people—especially during mission trips or volunteer work—can come off as self-centered and even possibly offensive to the admissions committee reviewer. Instead of focusing on how you helped, and casting others as victims, talk about what you learned, how your perspective changed, and what the experience meant to you personally and how you grew.

2. Starting With a Quote (sometimes)

Opening with a quote from someone famous is sometimes-not always- overdone and usually unnecessary. Admissions officers want to hear your voice, not Albert Einstein’s. Start with a personal story or a bold statement that grabs attention. If you are using the quote to then transition to a unique or memorable take on an experience you had, that's different. But starting with a famous quote with no real direction isn't the way to go.

3. The “Hardship = Identity” Trap

Overcoming adversity can be powerful—but don’t feel pressured to write about trauma unless it's central to your identity and you're ready to share it. Also, make sure the focus is on your growth and resilience, not just the hardship itself.

4. Trying to Impress: mistakes in your college essay

Big words, forced jokes, or name-dropping achievements will only weaken your authenticity. Colleges want to know who you are—not just what you’ve done. You also do not want to risk coming across as pretentious, or arrogant-that kind of tone may automatically earn your essay a spot at the bottom of the pile, even if the content of the essay is solid. And don't be scared to ask a college essay reviewer to check the essay for the tone. It is not a negative thing to seek out college essay help, even if it's from a teacher or parent.

5. Too General or Too Safe

Avoid essays that could be written by anyone. Be specific, be real, and show what makes you different. I also want to add: it's not the topic that determines if this could be written by anyone. Often times, students wonder if they can write about sports or injuries out of fear that this could be perceived as boring or unoriginal. It's about how you write about it and how those experiences affected you. You can take an essay about a meaningful experience you have with cooking as a hobby and have it earn you a spot at an Ivy League, or you can take an essay about how you worked with a cancer doctor (oncologist) and end up at a less "prestigious" school. It depends on the writing, tone and perspective.

Bottom line: Your college essay should sound like you, reflect on real experiences, and tell a story only you can tell. Avoid the clichés—and your application will be stronger for it.

Leave a comment if you have questions! Happy to help.

Sincerely, Dr. Khan