<p>what are some essay topics that will have your application tossed as soon as the first paragraph is read? like cliches, inappropriate topics, or just topics that readers won't like. this is considering the essay composition is average or a little above average, but not unique or outstanding. </p>
<p>one example I can think of that I've seen on some other threads is how one's grandparent(s) has/have influenced him or her. any others I, and any others applying for college soon, should know about?</p>
<p>My son’s killer essay was about his grandfather,who @ 18 joined Army air corp Dec.8,1941. Top turrett gunner B-17 shot down on 20th mission POW 2 years. My son compared his life @ 18 to Grandpops. He also talked about how much my dads funeral @ Arlington Natl. Cemetary is seared into his soul. We’ll never know for sure but all who’ve read it say it’s a great essay.We choose to think it helped him get into Penn ED.</p>
<p>rebel: that’s an example of an outstanding circumstance about a grandfather issue. congratulations to your son btw. I was talking about those who wrote like “my grandfather always worked hard and looked out for my family” and nothing too extraordinary.
and ADad, I suppose. what are some that you have seen?</p>
<p>Overcoming challenge is a common topic and often a successful one. But, challenges involving negative traits or conditions with potential to persist or recur in college are red flags for admissions. For example, someone who has had an eating disorder might not want to use it as an essay topic, even if the student believes the problem is in the past.</p>
<p>I agree with ADAd as well. OP - the student who write about his grandfather that way is likely to write that way about ANY person who has influenced him. It’s not about the topic, but how the essay is written.</p>
<p>Even the overcoming challenges about a negative personal trait can come out great, if the writer demonstrates an understanding of the underlying issues, and shows steps taken specifically to avoid relapse. It is a question of understanding whether you ave actually progressed to the point where you really have overcome the challenge. Again, not a poor topic choice in general, but a poor topic choice for certain people. It would also be appor topic choice for someone unfamiliar with adversity, whose “challenge” would seem pretty shallow to others, unless he can convincingly explain why it really is a challenge. (Thinking of a particular student who was frustrated after 3 attempts that he couldn’t achieve that perfect 2400 SAT).</p>
<p>I’ve read and commented on over a hundred admission essays as part of my work study job at my CC (mostly dual enrollment kids applying to places as freshmen, but some transfers as well.)</p>
<p>The biggest turn-off to me is simply the essay being too boring. I cannot recall any particular piece of subject matter that I felt was too taboo or made me want to stop reading. As long as it is captivating and well-written, you can write about anything. </p>
<p>One essay talked about the writer growing up in a third-world country during a civil war in which rebel groups raided their village, cut off all the children’s hands and feet, and killed most others, but the writer escaped and eventually found refuge in the US. It was one of the few essays out of the hundred or so that is still MEMORABLE. That is the key; make your essay STAND OUT and not just drone on about your classes and GPA and what you want to study.</p>
<p>@detroitnr1: I’m not tomatox1, but I’m pretty sure that was sarcasm XD</p>
<p>I think most topics can work if written correctly, but there are a couple I’d stay away from. Religion is one of them because you could very easily offend someone without meaning to.</p>
<p>I’m a junior in a Jewish, orthodox school, where most students do not attend college outside of the religious institutions. I’ve had this dream for years of becoming a physician and my principal, teachers and even father don’t approve. They may have some idea that I’m not planning on attending a Jewish college, but when I confirm where I’m going, they are going to be furious. My principal thinks it is in no way appropriate for a “nice Jewish girl” to become a doctor and everyone is trying to convince me not to. I can’t even tell them that I’m taking courses at my local CC this summer because they may threaten me. As such, I’d like to write my college essay about how everyone has been trying to hold be back from not only becoming a doctor through Jewish schools, but from even attending a regular university. I don’t want it to have sentiments of blame or anger; I want it to be about my perseverance and how I’ve grown from my struggles to succeed. Is a topic like this, which is bordering on religion/hardships, not a good idea to write about? I’m planning on applying to top schools. Thank you!</p>
<p>Given your planned essay, the religion/hardships issue is not a problem imo. With regard to religion, stay factual. Don’t proselytize for your perspective on Judaism and don’t badmouth the Orthodox. [Don’t badmouth anyone in a college essay.] With regard to hardships: </p>
<p>There are no cliche topics.
There are only cliche treatments of topics. </p>
<p>You are right to focus the essay on yourself. The best topic for you is the one that allows you to write the most personal, detailed, specific, and revealing-of-positives essay. Is this that topic? If so, go for it!</p>
<p>But aren’t there topics that are easier to treat in a cliche way than others because they’re more common?
I mean, a good writer can write about anything, but what kinds of topics should you stay away from if you’re a high school student who is inclined to write cliches into everything because you’re not a particularly brilliant writer?</p>