What Are the Most Common College Essay Mistakes That Cost You Acceptance?
Writing a college essay is a bit like trying to impress someone on a first date—you want to be authentic, engaging, and memorable, but not in a way that makes them cringe. Admissions officers read thousands of these essays, and while they won’t be swiping left or right on your application, they will definitely be judging whether you stand out or blend into the pile of forgettable submissions.
I’ve worked with countless students on their essays, and I can tell you one thing: the mistakes people make are often the same. The good news? They’re totally avoidable. So, let’s talk about the most common college essay mistakes that can cost you acceptance—and how to sidestep them like a pro.
1. Trying to Sound Like a Walking Thesaurus
Look, I get it. You want to sound smart. But throwing in words like “plethora,” “myriad,” and “juxtaposition” every other sentence doesn’t make you sound intellectual—it makes you sound like you’re auditioning for a role in a 19th-century novel.
Admissions officers don’t care if you can craft the most complex sentences in the world; they care if you can communicate clearly and authentically. If you wouldn’t say it out loud in a normal conversation, don’t write it. Your essay should sound like you—not a robot who swallowed a dictionary.
2. Ignoring the Prompt Like It’s Optional
This one is baffling, but it happens all the time. Students spend hours crafting an essay, only to realize—oops—it doesn’t actually answer the question. That’s like showing up to a history exam and writing an impassioned essay about your love for basketball. Cool story, but totally irrelevant.
Before you start writing, break down the prompt. If it asks about a challenge you’ve faced, don’t just tell a generic story—explain what you learned. If it asks about a person who influenced you, don’t turn it into a biography about them. Make sure you are the star of the story.
3. Overusing Clichés (AKA the Fast Track to Boring)
Admissions officers can predict some essays before even reading them. If you’re writing about winning a big game, moving to a new town, or that one volunteer trip that changed your life, be careful—these topics have been done to death.
Now, I’m not saying you can’t write about them. But if you do, find a unique angle. Instead of saying, “Winning the championship taught me teamwork,” tell me about the moment you tripped over your own shoelaces but still made the game-winning pass. Make it personal, specific, and something that only you could have written.
4. Forgetting College Requirements
This one’s easy to overlook, but it’s a big deal. Each institution has different college essay requirements—word count limits, formatting rules, specific prompts. If you ignore these, it’s like sending a wedding RSVP and showing up in jeans. Not a great look.
If a school asks for 500 words, don’t submit 700. If they say double-spaced, don’t try to squeeze in more words by making it single-spaced. These small details show that you can follow instructions—and trust me, that matters.
5. Writing an Autobiography Instead of a Story
A college essay is not a life story. You don’t need to start from the day you were born and walk them through every year of your life like it’s a documentary. Instead, pick one moment, one experience, or one theme that defines something important about you.
Think of it like a movie trailer. A trailer doesn’t show every single scene—it picks the most exciting, compelling moments to hook you. Your essay should do the same.
6. Don't Overlook the Effort Behind a Well-Written Essay
No, I’m not just talking about time and energy—there’s a real essay writing cost involved, both in terms of effort and, sometimes, money. Whether you’re investing in books, research materials, or even a professional review, quality writing isn’t free. The true cost of a great essay goes beyond money. It requires effort. You need to brainstorm, draft, and edit.
Sometimes, you may even need to discard ideas. If you try to finish it in one night, you will likely be disappointed. A rushed essay lacks depth and clarity. Great essays don't just happen; they are rewritten and refined. Give yourself time. Step away, think, and return with fresh eyes. That's where the real magic happens.
7. Failing to Proofread (Typos Can Ruin Everything)
Imagine you write the most heartfelt, moving essay of all time—and then end it with, “I defiantly want to major in biology.” That one typo just turned your well-crafted piece into comedy gold.
Spellcheck is great, but it’s not foolproof. Read your essay out loud. Have a friend or teacher look at it. Sometimes, we’re so close to our own writing that we miss glaring mistakes.
8. Playing It Too Safe
Some students write essays that are so neutral, so carefully crafted to avoid risk, that they end up being completely forgettable. I’m not saying you should be controversial for the sake of it, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine.
If you’re funny, add a little humor. If you’re passionate about something weird (like competitive cheese rolling—yes, that’s a thing), embrace it. The best essays make admissions officers feel like they got to know you, not just your achievements.
Final Thoughts
A college essay isn’t just another assignment—it’s your chance to show who you are beyond grades and test scores. Avoid the common mistakes: stay personal, follow the prompt, keep it clear, and edit ruthlessly.
At the end of the day, the best essays feel like a conversation with the writer. If you can make an admissions officer smile, think, or even tear up a little, you’ve done your job. So, take a deep breath, trust yourself, and start writing.