Bad Topics for College Essays

Today we’re talking about bad topics for college admission essays. Last week we did a video on what makes good essay topics, so if you haven’t watched that yet, do watch it next.

The worst essay topic that’s gonna wind up getting your application put straight in the garbage is when you focus on the negatives. Too many students think they’re going to write an essay about having overcome something negative, like an injury, an ailment, a learning disability, a divorce, or a death in the family. If you’ve experienced one or more of those hardships, although they may have impacted you, maybe profoundly, they don’t define you. And they’re not how you want to introduce yourself to someone who may be—not to put lightly—making a decision about the rest of your life. You want to focus on your positive qualities and not be a downer. 

Also, don’t write an essay about when you were a little kid, because that’s not who you are now, as this young adult applying to college. 

And finally don’t write college essays about very common topics, like being on a team, being in a club, or going on a mission trip, as those can be seen as bad. Everybody who’s done those common activities thinks, “I’ll just write my essay about that.” Those essays and those students all come out the same.

If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 732-556-8220. We are here to help.