15+ College Essay Topics To Avoid: What Not To Write

Robert T. Teranishi, Ph.D.

By Robert T. Teranishi

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college essay do and dont

Students tend to err on the side of caution when writing their essays. Most stick with the most common college essay topics to play it safe. But here’s the catch: it’s time to think out of the box if you want your piece to stand out. Below are what not to write in a college essay to avoid cliches!

Top 18 Overused Themes In College Essays You Should Avoid

1. Your Strengths Or Accomplishments

strengs or accomplishments

It’s understandable that you want to showcase your academic achievements to impress the admissions officers. In fact, about a third of the application essays we received at UndocuScholars center around this subject. However, relentlessly listing your accomplishments in your piece can backfire, which might come across as showing off. Remember that this is a college application essay, not a resume for a job.

Of course, highlighting your strengths gives you a competitive edge over other applicants, yet don’t repeat what you have mentioned in your application. Instead, reveal a lesser-known side of yourself, giving the admissions counselor a deeper understanding of who you are.

If you still decide to go for this topic, single out the most significant, unique achievement that speaks volumes for your identity.

2. Controversial, Sensitive Topics

Clever students want to steer clear of hot potatoes like religion, racism, etc. These topics always spark controversies, making them more challenging to approach. You’ll likely convey your personal opinions rather than viewing the matter from an objective perspective. It’s not a wise move to convince the admissions committee that your beliefs or biases are true, except for when you apply to a religious institution.

Sensitive topics, like criticizing your school, are also a no-go. We’ve encountered some students who pointed out their schools’ shortcomings to explain why they want to attend the new college. However, doing so leaves a negative impression on the officers and even appears disrespectful. Remember to keep a positive tone throughout the essay.

3. Illegal/Unethical Behavior

Mentioning illegal behavior, like underage drinking, drug use, and sexual harassment/abuse, in your essay is the shortcut to rejection. Colleges might hesitate to admit students engaged in such activities, which poses a risk to others’ well-being and safety. 

You should also avoid referencing unethical behavior that undermines your character. For example, you describe a time when you cheated during the exam or plagiarized when writing essays. Even though you emphasize that you’ve learned a lesson, it still leaves a black mark on your application.

On another note, if you post anything that’s considered unlawful or unethical on social media, make sure to delete it. Some admissions officers might take a look at your online presence, so keep your profile clean.

4. Movies & Music

Let us clarify here: it’s totally fine if your essay centers around your favorite music genre or movie. One common pitfall of students is they focus too much on describing the music or film rather than linking it to their personality. Admissions officers are less interested in your favorite song or movie, and irrelevant details will negatively impact your character.

If you stick with this topic, highlight how your passion has shaped you. For example, when expressing your love of country music, explain how it inspired you to learn guitar and drums yourself. Or, if you’re writing about your favorite movie, tell the readers how it motivated you to grow, whether that’s by taking a new course, volunteering, or reading more books.

5. Sports Challenges Or Sports Victories

Another trap that students easily fall for is writing about sports. It can be a sports challenge, a victory, a defeat, leading a team, or getting injured. Unless you’ve participated in a national or international professional competition, these anecdotes often fail to add much value to your essay. 

The reason? Sports ranks among the most overused college application essay topics, so it’s unlikely to help you stand out. We’ve encountered thousands of essays about sports failure and the lesson about teamwork and getting over the disappointment. Honestly, we even found it challenging to remember and differentiate them, let alone pay attention to any individual story.

Not to mention, you might have to explain the context of the game and terminologies, which takes up a valuable word count.

6. Humor

While college essays are considered your personal statements, it’s not a wise choice to integrate your sense of humor into them. Attempting to make your college essay a humorous piece can be risky. Humor is subjective, and what you find funny might not resonate with an admissions officer. 

If the humor feels forced, it can undermine your message and make your essay seem less serious. Admissions officers are looking for depth and authenticity, not a stand-up routine. Instead of trying to make the reader laugh, focus on writing a story that feels genuine and reflective. Humor should only be used if it flows naturally from the story and doesn’t distract from the overall message.

7. Politics

Discussing political views in your essay is often problematic because it can alienate readers with differing opinions. Admissions officers are human, and your stance on a controversial issue might subconsciously influence their judgment, even if unintentionally. For instance, an essay defending a polarizing policy could overshadow your character and achievements.

 If politics plays a significant role in your life, shift the focus from opinions to actions. For example, instead of detailing your beliefs, write about organizing a community event or starting a civic project. Highlight your ability to bring people together and solve problems, which reflects leadership and initiative. This approach allows you to showcase your values without risking bias.

8. Mission/Class Trip

Essays about mission trips, class excursions, or other similar extracurricular activities often fall into predictable patterns that fail to stand out. Many students describe how they “helped” a less fortunate community, but this can unintentionally come across as self-congratulatory or superficial. Instead of summarizing the entire trip, focus on one defining moment. 

For example, write about meeting a local person who challenged your assumptions or inspired you to pursue a cause. Highlight the impact this had on your perspective and actions. For instance, if you taught English abroad, discuss how the students’ resilience taught you about perseverance. This shifts the narrative from a generic account to a deeply personal reflection on growth and learning.

9. Volunteering Experience

volunteering experience

Volunteering essays often emphasize the act of helping others but lack depth about the writer’s personal growth. At UndocuScholars, we noticed that many students wrote about tutoring or food drives, but they failed to explore how these formative experiences shaped their identity. To stand out, focus on a specific incident that challenged your perspective or taught you a valuable lesson.

For instance, if you volunteered at a hospital, describe a moment when you struggled to connect with a patient and what you learned about empathy. Avoid framing yourself as a hero. Instead, highlight how volunteering shaped your understanding of community, leadership, or responsibility, making it clear how these lessons will influence your college and career goals.

10. An Unexpected Luck Or Blessing

Writing about a stroke of good fortune, such as winning a scholarship or growing up in privilege, can unintentionally alienate readers or make your essay feel shallow. For instance, discussing how you effortlessly excelled in academics thanks to a strong support system might come across as out of touch. To reframe such experiences, focus on how they motivated you to give back or work harder. 

If you had access to unique resources, discuss how you used them to mentor others or create opportunities. Reflect on how these privileges shaped your values and drive. Admissions officers want to see self-awareness and gratitude, not just a celebration of your luck.

11. A Significant Performance

Essays about sports, theater, or music performances often follow clichéd narratives, such as overcoming stage fright or scoring the winning goal. These stories can feel predictable and fail to reveal your deeper character. To make such a common topic compelling, focus on the journey rather than the outcome. 

Instead of describing a flawless piano recital, write about the months of practice, failures, and discipline it took to succeed. Highlight what the experience taught you about perseverance, teamwork, or humility. If you missed a note during a performance, describe how you handled the mistake and what it taught you about resilience. This approach emphasizes growth over achievement.

12. Immigration Story

Immigration stories are deeply personal but can sometimes focus too much on family struggles or cultural hardships, making them similar to many other essays. Instead of recounting the challenges your family faced, highlight how these experiences shaped your identity or aspirations. 

Let’s say moving to a new country taught you to adapt quickly. Write about how this skill helped you excel in a new environment. Share specific moments, like learning a new language through trial and error or building a sense of belonging in a different culture. This focus keeps the narrative centered on your growth and resilience while honoring your background.

13. Illness Or Personal Trauma

Essays about illness or trauma can be powerful but must be handled with care. Overly detailed accounts of hardship might make the reader uncomfortable or overshadow your achievements. For instance, writing extensively about a family member’s illness might shift focus away from you. Instead, concentrate on how the experience shaped your character. 

For example, if a parent’s illness required you to take on more responsibilities at home, discuss how it taught you resilience and time management. Avoid turning the essay into a story of pity. Show how you emerged stronger and how these lessons prepared you for the challenges of college.

14. Bad Grades

Acknowledging poor academic performance in your essay can raise concerns unless framed constructively. Simply explaining that you improved after failing might highlight a weakness instead of a strength. For example, instead of saying, “I failed math but worked harder,” focus on what the failure taught you. 

Describe how it motivated you to develop better study habits or seek mentorship. Share a specific moment, like how you stayed after school for tutoring and eventually aced an exam. This approach demonstrates your ability to learn from mistakes and showcases qualities like perseverance and adaptability, which colleges value.

15. The Most Important Person In Your Life

Essays about influential people often risk becoming tributes rather than personal reflections. For instance, writing about a parent’s sacrifices or a mentor’s achievements may overshadow your role in the story. Instead, focus on how their influence shaped your actions or values. 

For example, if your coach taught you discipline, write about how you applied that lesson to a non-athletic challenge. Keep the spotlight on your growth and choices while honoring their impact. This ensures the essay remains about you, giving admissions officers insight into your character and potential.

16. Love, Relationships & Breakups

Romantic relationships may feel pivotal, but they rarely make strong essay topics. College admissions essays about love or breakups often lack relevance to your academic or personal growth. Instead of centering your essay on a relationship, focus on the lessons it taught you. 

When a breakup motivates you to pursue personal goals, highlight that journey of self-discovery. Keep the narrative focused on your growth and resilience, showing how the experience prepared you for future challenges. This ensures your essay remains appropriate and meaningful.

17. A Too Old Story Before High School

high school graduates celebrating outdoors

Stories from early childhood may feel nostalgic but often lack relevance to who you are now. Admissions officers are more interested in recent experiences that reflect your current identity. Instead of writing solely about a childhood science fair, connect it to how that moment inspired your passion for research today. 

Show how your early interests evolved and led to significant achievements in high school. By linking past experiences to your present self, you make the narrative both personal and forward-looking.

18. A Confession About Your Past Mistakes

Writing about a personal mistake can be risky unless framed constructively. Simply admitting to a misstep might raise questions about your judgment. Focus on how the personal experience changed you. For example, if procrastination once caused you to fail a project, discuss how you developed better time-management skills. 

You should share a specific instance where you applied this lesson, such as leading a successful group project. This approach transforms a potential weakness into a story of growth and resilience, showcasing your ability to learn and improve.

What If You Still Write About Those Cliche Topics?

If you’re set on writing about a cliché topic, it’s essential to know what colleges look for in an admissions essay and adapt your approach accordingly. Colleges want to understand your personality, growth, and potential to contribute to their community. Even if your topic is common, the way you write about it can still make your essay stand out. 

Start by shifting the focus inward. Instead of detailing the event or experience, delve into how it shaped you as a person. For example, if you’re writing about a sports challenge, avoid the overused themes of teamwork or determination. Instead, discuss how the experience revealed a previously unknown strength, taught you an unconventional skill, or inspired you to explore new interests.

Similarly, for topics like mission trips or volunteering, steer clear of simply describing how you helped others. Admissions officers have read countless essays like these. Instead, write about a specific moment that challenged your perspective or forced you to confront a bias. Highlight how the experience changed your understanding of leadership, humility, or cultural differences.

For deeply personal topics like illness or trauma, focus on your resilience and growth rather than the hardship itself. Show how the experience prepared you for future challenges or motivated you to make a difference in your community. Keep the narrative reflective and forward-looking, avoiding graphic details or self-pity.

Finally, ensure your essay showcases qualities colleges value: creativity, thoughtfulness, and a sense of purpose. Even if your topic is familiar, your perspective should be fresh and insightful. By adapting your narrative to emphasize growth, impact, and individuality, you can transform a cliché topic into a compelling essay that resonates with admissions officers.

FAQs

Do College Essays Need To Have A Single Topic?

Yes, college essays are most effective when focused on a single topic. A narrow focus allows you to delve deeply into your personal growth, values, and insights, making your essay more cohesive and impactful. Avoid trying to cover too much, as it can dilute your message.

Is It Tacky To Use Questions In A College Essay?

No, using questions in a college essay is not tacky if done thoughtfully. Questions can engage the reader and reflect your curiosity or introspection. However, overusing them or leaving them unanswered can feel gimmicky. Use questions sparingly to enhance the narrative, not distract from it.

Should You Mention Specifics In Supplemental Essay?

Yes, specifics are crucial in supplemental essays. Mentioning particular programs, professors, or opportunities unique to the school shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested. Tailoring your essay to the school demonstrates your fit and enthusiasm for their community.

Conclusion

Above are the 18 common college essay topics to avoid. While they are still doable, you might have a lower chance of drawing admissions officers’ attention. Some subjects require careful handling to avoid controversy. It’s best to stick with a unique topic and let your character shine through!

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Robert T. Teranishi, Ph.D.

Robert T. Teranishi

Professor of Social Science and Comparative Education

Robert Teranishi is a Professor of Social Science and Comparative Education, the Morgan and Helen Chu Endowed Chair in Asian American Studies, and co-director for the Institute for Immigration, Globalization and Education at UCLA.

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