5 Common College Essay Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The college essay is one of the few parts of an application where students can show who they are beyond grades and test scores. Unfortunately, many strong applicants weaken their essays by falling into predictable traps. The good news? These mistakes are avoidable once you know what to look for.

1. Writing a Resume in Paragraph Form

Admissions officers already have your activity list. Simply repeating accomplishments in essay form doesn’t tell them anything new. Instead of trying to fit in every award or leadership role, students should focus on one story or moment that shows why those experiences mattered.

Better approach: Pick a single activity, event, or experience, and describe the impact it had. For example, instead of listing “track, debate, and student council,” a student might tell the story of a single track meet that changed how they think about perseverance.

2. Choosing a Cliché Topic

Many students write about winning the big game, volunteering on a service trip, or getting a good grade after working hard. These stories are so common that they often blur together for admissions readers.

Better approach: Look for a topic that only you could write. That might be a family tradition, a part-time job, or even a small daily habit that reveals a bigger lesson. A unique lens grabs attention far more than a generic “big moment.”

3. Ignoring Reflection

One of the biggest differences between an average essay and a standout essay is reflection. Too often, essays describe what happened but don’t explain why it mattered. Admissions officers aren’t just evaluating experiences — they want to see growth, values, and self-awareness.

Better approach: Every story should answer, “What did I learn? How did this shape me?” For instance, a student writing about cooking with their grandmother can reflect on patience, resilience, or cultural identity.

4. Over-Editing Into a Formal Paper

Students sometimes feel pressure to make their essay sound “impressive,” which can strip out their authentic voice. The result is an essay that sounds more like a research paper than a personal statement.

Better approach: Essays should sound conversational. A good test is to read it aloud — if it doesn’t sound like how the student would naturally talk, it needs to be simplified.

5. Waiting Until the Last Minute

Strong essays require brainstorming, drafting, feedback, and revision. Rushed essays often lack depth and polish.

Better approach: Start early, ideally in the summer before senior year. Break the process into steps: brainstorming, drafting, revising, polishing. Families that set small deadlines avoid last-minute stress.

Final Thoughts

The essay is a chance for admissions officers to meet the student behind the application. By avoiding these common mistakes, students can write essays that highlight their personality, growth, and values.