College Essay Topics You Might Want to Avoid Writing About
An earlier version of this piece was developed in conjunction with my thought-partner and co-consultant, Jackie Stowers, for the , where we are implementing a college essay intensive writing coaching program, as well as working directly with their students. The Cooperman Scholars are supported through all aspects of college access and success, and are a shining example of how attending college really can change lives and communities.
While the following two approaches aren’t necessarily bad, they are the most cliche ways of approaching a college essay about music. You might want to consider avoiding them.
Remind yourself that no matter what topic you choose, the focus of the essay needs to be on you and what you have to offer to a college or university.
What are considered cliche college essays?
If you can find an unusual point to make about a cliche topic, or how you relate somehow to this topic, your essay could go from trite and dull to fresh and surprising.
Avoid discussing overused college essay topics and sensitive personal experiences such as illegal activities, romantic relationships, deeply personal confessions, traumatic events, or controversial topics in your college application. Instead, focus on experiences that showcase your growth, character, and suitability for the college. We also highlighted the college essay topics to avoid to help you write great college admissions essays.
The problem arises, however, when you write about a common topic in a cliche way. Cliches are always a danger in college essays, but in especially college essay topics that tend to surface again and again.
As we explained in our , writing your college essay on a common topic isn’t off-limits. In fact, most college essays share common topics and themes. Trying to find a completely unique, never-been-done-before topic is almost impossible. And writing about a quirky topic in hopes of coming across as unique usually backfires.
I always tell my students to avoid the following cliché essay topics:
Ask any admissions officer if they’ve read a college essay about music, and they’ll definitely say yes. Between music extracurriculars and academic interests in music, it’s is one of the most common college essay topics.
11 Cliché College Essay Topics + How to Fix Them | CollegeVine Blog
Because you are writing about someone else, you are pulling the focus from yourself. When everything else is stripped away, that is the most important aspect of your college application essay. It has to be about you.
What are the most clichéd college application essay topics
Is that a lovely story? Yes, absolutely. Is it hearty enough for a college essay? No. While it tells a good narrative of growth and progress, it remains on the surface of the writer’s life. It comes across as a convenient way to brag about your strengths instead of exploring them in a genuine way. In this example, the story also focuses on events that happened way too far in the past.
What are cliché college essay topics
Unfortunately, although this topic seems promising in the brainstorming phase, once students actually start writing the essay, it often becomes exactly what they were trying to avoid: cliche and impersonal.
What are some examples of cliche college application essays?
It’s best to steer clear of especially sensitive or polarizing subjects on the college essay. Here’s a good test: If posting a Facebook status about this topic could start an online argument, don’t mention it in a college essay.
Stray from the cliche – essay topics to avoid
These essays are often viewed as unoriginal and lacking depth unless you can provide a unique perspective or profound personal growth making it one of the college essay topics to avoid.