🎯 Avoiding Essay Pitfalls: Clichés, Brags, and Vague Language
When it comes to writing a memorable college essay, what you don’t say can matter just as much as what you do. Admissions officers aren’t looking for perfection — they’re looking for authenticity, reflection, and a clear sense of who you are. But even the best stories can lose impact when they’re buried under clichés, self-congratulations, or fuzzy writing. Here’s how to avoid the biggest traps:
❌ 1. Clichés: "Ever since I was a kid..."
We’ve all heard them: “I’ve always wanted to help people,” or “This taught me that hard work pays off.”
While these sentiments may be true, they’re also overused. A cliché waters down your voice and makes your essay blend in rather than stand out.
Before:
“I’ve always wanted to help people.”
After:
“When I first volunteered at the shelter, I didn’t expect to recognize my neighbor. That moment showed me how deeply connected we all are.”
✅ Tip: Replace general phrases with specific moments. Instead of saying you learned resilience, show us a time you demonstrated it—and what it meant to you.
❌ 2. Bragging: “I was the best, and everyone knew it.”
Yes, your accomplishments matter—but your essay isn’t a résumé in paragraph form. Over-bragging can come off as arrogant, which is a turnoff in an essay that’s meant to show humility and growth.
Before:
“I was the best player on the team, and everyone relied on me to win.”
After:
“Leading the team meant learning to listen, lift others, and take losses without pointing fingers.”
âś… Tip: Share achievements in the context of challenge, effort, or impact. Let your values shine through. Show us not just what you did, but who you became.
❌ 3. Vague Language: “It was really hard.”
Vague writing makes your story forgettable. Words like “thing,” “stuff,” “a lot,” or “good” don’t help paint a picture of your experience. You want your reader to feel like they’re there with you.
Before:
“It was a hard time for me.”
After:
“I barely slept, skipped meals, and constantly reread rejection emails until my chest physically hurt.”
✅ Tip: Be concrete. Use sensory details and vivid verbs. Name the emotions. Instead of “it was tough,” try “I was overwhelmed, my palms sweating as I stepped onto the stage.”
✨ Final Thought
College essays are your chance to speak directly to admissions officers. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help your voice come through clearly — honest, thoughtful, and unforgettable. So ditch the fluff, be real, and write with heart.
