Five College Application Essays That Suck

Introduction

• Topic: Common application essays that are not effective
• Speaker: Brooke, experienced tutor in test prep and college admissions
• Purpose: Help students avoid clichéd essay topics to create standout applications
• Encouragement to subscribe to Super Tutor TV and mailing list for updates

Essay Topics to Avoid

1. The "Here is My Resume" Essay

• Description: An essay summarizing activities in a paragraph form
• Issues:
  • Just reiterates resume content without depth
  • Lacks emotional connection and personal insight
• Recommendation:
  • Share why you engage in activities and what they mean to you
  • Focus on storytelling and analysis rather than a list of accomplishments

2. The "I Got an A" Essay

• Description: Discusses overcoming academic struggles to achieve success
• Issues:
  • Boring and clichéd narrative
  • Fails to demonstrate holistic personality
• Recommendation:
  • Avoid simplicity, focus on unique stories or ideas
  • Share intellectual passions rather than just accomplishments

3. The Mission Trip Essay

• Description: Reflects on a mission trip experience and personal transformation
• Issues:
  • Often feels generic and lacks originality
  • Isolated experience doesn’t reveal deeper personal insights
• Recommendation:
  • Focus on comprehensive experiences that show growth rather than a single event

4. The Generic Answer Essay

• Description: Answers the prompt but lacks specificity and narrative
• Issues:
  • Could apply to anyone; lacks personal touch
• Recommendation:
  • Include specific details that showcase personality
  • Address unique life experiences, even if they feel vulnerable

5. The "Jesus" Essay

• Description: Discusses a Christian conversion experience
• Issues:
  • Suitable for religious institutions but not for general applications
  • Risk of being divisive or off-putting to readers of different beliefs
• Recommendation:
  • Approach religion academically or focus on lesser-known religions
  • Ensure that the narrative is inclusive and not preachy

Conclusion

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