Expert Advices on College Essay Topics to Avoid (Don’t Skip)
When applying to a private, community, or IVY league college, it is important to remember that every admission officer dislikes some common types of essay topics. Students who think they can write on any topic and will be admitted to any college, then they must be dreaming of going to space without a spaceship.
In reality, it’s not that easy. Still, if you know what college essay topics to avoid and what alternative options are available, you can maximize your chances of being accepted to your desired college.
Starter Tips for Writing a College Essay
Christoph Guttentag, the dean of admission at Duke University, said he wants students to answer questions instead of writing beautiful prose in their college admissions essays.
By focusing on writing beautiful prose, students often distract from writing authentic, meaningful personal statements.
From large to small, public to private, or Ivy schools, admission officers want the same thing: a reflective story written by the students in the voice of a 17-year-old kid.
What are Some College Essay Topics to Avoid
Many debates have taken place on Quora, Reddit, and LinkedIn about what to not write about in college essays. Experts from different fields have shared their thoughts and insights about college essay topics to avoid and offer alternative good topics.
However, based on personal experiences and admission officers’ suggestions, we have gathered the topics that AOs may feel exhaustive and tiring while reading.
Most Common Topics to Avoid in College Essays
- Dead grandma.
- My immigrant journey.
- Controversial or divisive issues such as politics, religion, or sensitive social issues.
- Sports Injury.
- Writing about illicit activities such as drug abuse or cheating.
- Relationship drama.
- Bodily functions.
Examples of Cliche College Essay by Lessa Scherrer
Lessa Cherrer, an independent college admissions advisor, has shared examples of cliche college admission essay topics. Let’s examine them.
- How I lost the big game and then worked a lot on my skills until I won the next one—yay me!.”
- My Eagle/Gold Award project made me a better person.
- My relatives and friends were such fantastic people! (An essay where all the information is only about the relative, not about the student).
- Describing your bedroom as a metaphor for who you are/what is important to you (which leads to a lot of telling rather than showing, ironically).
- A narrative version of your resume or activities list.
- Describe anything that is in a five-paragraph persuasive essay format.
College Essay Topics to Avoid by Bruce Epstein
Bruce Epstein, a college admission counselor and IT professional, shared his thoughts about college essay topics students should avoid. According to him, the admissions officers may roll their eyes and stop reading if you have written an essay on:
- Write that you understand poverty because you witnessed it on a service trip.
- A fancy summer or winter trip has taught you a lot.
- You want to go to Duke or any other university because of basketball.
- You act like you are the only kid in the world that is doing something unique.
- You try too hard to appear clever or erudite and lose all sense of authenticity.
Wait here: Did you know admission officer Keith at Yale University has shared his insights on the most effective essay topic choices for college essays? Listen to the podcast and understand what works best in essays and what college essay topics to avoid.
Things to Avoid in College Essays Besides Cliche Topics
Sometimes, college essay topics are not cliche, but some factors might damage their authenticity and credibility. Are you curious about what these things are? Let’s take a look.
- Speaking ill about the teachers, high schools, peers, or other institutions except the one you are applying for.
- Mentioning the “prestige” in your “Why this college” essay.
- Talking about “I want to make a lot of money” in the “Why Major” college admission essay.
- Tell the admission officer about “because it’s what my parents want” in your “Why college” or “Why major” essay.
- Writing anything that seems arrogant or shows your entitlement.
- Mentioning any kind of mental health issue in the essay.
7 Alternate Good Topics for College Essay
Since we know you are looking for alternate college essay ideas for the above cliche ones, worry not. Whether you are looking for graduate vs undergraduate degree colleges, we have crafted the best essay topics for university students.
- Write about something challenging for you and how you dealt with it.
- Write about a memorable incident when you saw your parents fail and how it left a lasting impression on you.
- A thing that is so special for you, but other people don’t give a shit about it.
- Write about something you have done in your life that has impacted positively other’s lives.
- What could you do in your life if you get rejected by college?
- What are some things your school is good at? What things could they do better?
- What accomplishments in your life make you so proud?
Now is the Time To Start Writing Your College Essay
We hope the above information helps you understand what college essay topics to avoid and what are alternate good topics for college essays.
Why wait any longer? kickstart your academic journey by writing a good college essay right now.
However, if you still have any queries, feel free to get college paper writers help. Whether you want a topic or a complete written college essay, they will assist you in every situation.
