Click here to explore thousands of successful college essay exemplars!
Are you a high school senior and getting started with your college Applications? As application season approaches, you will be preparing to tackle one of the most significant components of your college applications which is writing college essays. If you are among the many students using Common App to apply to universities and colleges, this post is for you! Regardless of your chosen topic, adhering to a few essential do's and don'ts can guide you in crafting a compelling Common App essay that is sure to make your application competitive!
Common App Do's and Don'ts
Do's
Make the essay truly 'yours': Ensure that your essay captures your authentic voice and personality. Admissions officers want to get to know you, so it’s essential to write in a style that reflects who you truly are. Avoid using overly complex vocabulary just to impress. Instead, choose words that come naturally to you. This authenticity will make your essay more engaging and relatable, setting you apart from applicants who might sound generic or insincere. A good example can be found here.
Choose a topic that you care about or that is interesting to you: Select a topic that genuinely resonates with you or holds personal significance. Writing about something you care about will not only make the process more enjoyable but also infuse your essay with passion and sincerity. This enthusiasm will be evident to the reader, making your story more compelling. Whether it’s a hobby, an experience, or a challenge you’ve faced, if it matters to you, it’s worth exploring in your essay. See an example of this here.
Highlight aspects not seen elsewhere in your application: Your essay is a chance to highlight aspects of your personality, experiences, or interests that aren’t evident from your resume or other application materials. This is an opportunity to provide a fuller picture of who you are. Think about unique traits, perspectives, or stories that distinguish you from other applicants. Sharing these personal insights can make your application more memorable and give admissions officers a deeper understanding of your character and potential.
Focus on small things to reveal the bigger picture: Focusing on a specific, seemingly minor moment can be a powerful way to illustrate larger themes or aspects of your personality. Small experiences often reveal significant insights about your values, growth, or character. By delving into a particular memory, you can provide a detailed and vivid narrative that conveys broader messages about who you are. This approach can make your essay more intimate and reflective, offering a snapshot of your life that speaks volumes. A good example can be seen here.
Choose topics that are not overused: Experiences such as foreign travel, volunteering, athletic wins, etc. can be meaningful, but they are commonly written about and may not make your essay stand out. If you choose to write about such topics, ensure your perspective is unique and deeply personal. Instead of focusing on the event itself, emphasize how it specifically impacted you and contributed to your growth. Better yet, consider selecting a less conventional topic that reveals something distinct about you, making your essay more original and memorable. See a good example here as this topic is personalized to the student and is hence not an overused topic.
Be original: Originality in your essay is crucial. Admissions officers read countless essays, so finding a unique angle or perspective can help you stand out. Avoid clichés and common themes; instead, focus on your individual experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Reflect on what makes you different and how you can convey that distinctiveness in your writing. An original essay not only captures attention but also provides a memorable impression of who you are.
Ensure you proofread: Proofreading is essential to ensure your essay is polished and free of errors. Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing can detract from your message and professionalism. Take the time to review your essay multiple times, and consider reading it aloud to catch any issues. A well-proofread essay demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to presenting your best work, leaving a positive impression on admissions officers.
Check that you have fully addressed the prompt: It’s crucial to ensure that your essay directly addresses the prompt. Read the prompt carefully and make sure your response is relevant and thorough. Straying off-topic or failing to fully answer the question can weaken your essay. By clearly addressing the prompt, you show that you can follow directions and engage thoughtfully with the given topic. This attention to detail can significantly strengthen your application.
Ask for feedback: Seeking feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors can provide valuable insights into your essay. Others can offer perspectives you might have overlooked and suggest improvements. Constructive criticism can help refine your ideas, enhance clarity, and ensure your message is effectively conveyed. However, while feedback is important, make sure the final essay remains true to your voice and perspective, reflecting your individuality.
Start early: Starting your essay early gives you ample time to brainstorm, draft, revise, and refine. This extended timeline allows for thorough reflection on your experiences and ensures that your writing accurately represents your voice and story. Early preparation reduces stress and allows for multiple rounds of feedback and revision. Additionally, beginning early can help you avoid last-minute rushes, ensuring a well-crafted, thoughtful, and polished final product.
Don'ts
Avoid being overly formal: Avoid overly formal language that makes your essay sound stiff or artificial. Write in a natural, conversational tone that reflects your personality. Use everyday language that you would use when speaking to someone in person. This approach helps you connect with your reader and makes your essay more engaging and relatable.
Don't choose a topic that you think the admissions officer would prefer: Selecting a topic solely based on what you think admissions officers want to hear can result in an insincere essay. All the provided prompts have been approved by the Common App, so choose the topic that genuinely interests you and allows you to showcase your unique qualities and experiences. Your passion and authenticity will shine through, making your essay more compelling and memorable.
Avoid repeating information from other parts of your application: Avoid simply listing your accomplishments or reiterating information already provided in your application. Instead, use your essay to delve deeper into a few key experiences or insights that have shaped you. Provide context, reflection, and personal anecdotes to bring these experiences to life and show their significance. This approach adds depth to your application and helps admissions officers understand who you are beyond your achievements.
Don't get feedback from too many people: While feedback is valuable, seeking input from too many sources can lead to conflicting advice and a diluted, unfocused essay. Choose a few trusted individuals, such as teachers, counsellors, or family members, to provide feedback. Consider their suggestions thoughtfully, but ultimately, stay true to your voice and vision for your essay. Maintaining a clear, coherent narrative ensures that your essay remains impactful and authentic.
Avoid using clichés: Steer away from using clichés, overly sentimental language, or generic statements that could apply to any applicant. Instead, strive for originality and specificity in your writing. Share personal anecdotes, unique insights, or unconventional perspectives that set you apart from other applicants. This approach makes your essay more memorable and demonstrates your ability to think critically and creatively. An example of what not to do can be found here.
Don't say what you think the admissions office wants to hear: Avoid crafting your essay based solely on perceived expectations. Instead, focus on sharing genuine experiences and insights that reflect your unique perspective and personality. Authenticity resonates more with admissions officers than trying to conform to perceived preferences.
Don't rely only on spellcheck: While spellcheck is helpful, it can miss context-specific errors or subtle mistakes. Supplement spellcheck with thorough proofreading to ensure your essay is free from grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and inconsistencies.
Don't panic: Feeling overwhelmed can hinder your creativity and clarity. Stay calm and approach your essay with a clear mind. Break down the task into manageable steps, and give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise.
Don’t start late: Starting your essay early allows for thoughtful reflection, multiple drafts, and feedback. Beginning early also reduces stress and allows you to produce a more polished and compelling final piece.
Don’t copy your peers' essays if they are applying to the same school: Plagiarizing someone else's work not only violates academic integrity but also fails to showcase your unique qualities. Admissions officers want to learn about you, so it's important to share your own experiences and perspectives in your essay.
We hope this guide helps you with your Common App essay planning and writing! For examples of how to structure a good Common App essay make sure to visit the Clastify website. You can find some more exemplars here. Good luck!
The Fast Track To Your
Best IB Coursework & College Essays
All content on this website has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. International Baccalaureate and IB are registered trademarks owned by the International Baccalaureate Organization.