<p>Post topics that you believe are overused and are not good choices to write about! To start it off: Is writing about how I've traveled to many other countries and states overused?</p>
<p>Summer programs
That big win you worked so hard for in sports
The volunteer work you did in Sri Lanka</p>
<p>Depends on what you did while traveling. And anyway, the essay topic doesn’t matter as much as what you make out of it.</p>
<p>People now say writing about your financial problems is kind of overused now, because of the economy. But that topic is not bad at all. </p>
<p>I think that writing about something that is already seen on your resume, mostly your EC’s, is not a really good choice. You’re just repeating what you have done. But if you do want to write about your EC’s, you have to give depth on only one EC.</p>
<p>Take QuasiProfound’s advice and make the most of whatever topic you choose. Use the essay to provide insight into yourself and demonstrate that you are open to new opportunities and ideas.</p>
<p>I think really quirky, out-there topics are getting overused. It’s like people are trying to sound unique, therefore turning their entire essay into a gimmick. It can work sometimes if the essay writer is sincere, but they rarely are.</p>
<p>You could write the common app essay about your history teacher and a supplementary essay about tennis. Have other people used the same subject matter in the past? Sure, but that doesn’t make it impossible to write great essays, especially if those subjects mean a lot to you. </p>
<p>The worst thing you can do is write an essay about drinking orange juice because it’s “unique, quirky, and no one’s used it before.” Hint: there’s a reason no one uses it.</p>
<p>OP: WAY overused.
Now, the difference between a generic essay and a unique essay for an overused topic is based on three things:
- perspective
- writing style
- substance/meaning
If you can find something that says “you” for these three things, then your essay would be good, no matter the topic.</p>
<p>deaths of uncles/grandparents, sports wins, traveling and experiencing new cultures</p>
<p>How much you admire your mom/dad/grandma/grandpa/second cousin twice removed.</p>
<p>An essay solely on culture diversity or financial difficulties. Imo, these tend to only partially reflect a person; there really is not much personality to be found in an essay written on those topics.</p>
<p>I would also say sob stories, but some people are good at pulling those off. I’m not :(.</p>
<p>Overused topics:
- Trips “I thought I was about to die when I had to jump off the cliff”
- Service “I now understand how fortunate I am compared to these poor kids”
- Sports (anything with winning really) “I overcame my difficulties”</p>
<p>IMO however… there are no “overused topics” as long as you can go in depth in what you pick. I’ve read really good essays about service trips (rarely about sports). Just make sure the story you’re telling is told from the bottom of your heart and is something you can entirely relate to. Don’t make up something sappy or what you think is “impressive” - believe me, the admission officers have read a plethora of essays to tell the genuine ones from the wannabes.</p>
<p>Pfff, I see no one has mentioned the “most” overused topic… “pick a favourite quotation and write about it.”</p>
<p>Seriously though, I never quite understood why people always write about the “big moments” in life (i.e. volunteering, travelling, winning in sports, etc.). Why not look for something small, almost mundane in life, such as, say, brushing teeth, taking an elevator, etc. and write about it? It sure separates you out from your fellow applicants, and it sure shows you are reflective (keyword right here) with an eye for details.</p>
<p>Either way, good luck.</p>
<p>what are some overused sport topics? other than scoring the game winning shot, overcome a sickness to help a team out? what else is there</p>
<p>Do you think losing a big election you worked hard for, then running for a different position a week later and winning is too cliche?</p>
<p>the topic of the essay doesnt make or break your chances. focus on writing concisely and emphasize on your personality. the thing that matters is how you approach the topic rather than the topic itself</p>
<p>@ clinegirl- I definitely don’t think that topic is overused, just make sure to add a lot of personal touch and detail! And, really highlight your feelings and perseverence, too!</p>
<p>Oh, whenever I read somebody about how their pet goldfish died and how he left his mark on the world, I have to laugh. Pets do not make good essay topics xD. </p>
<p>Thanks for all the posts guys!</p>
<p>mine was about traveling to another country but it was my parents home country and they were trying to show me the kind of traditional culture i kind of lost from being born here in the states, i kind of spun diversity into the end of it…
too cliche?</p>
<p>If you give it to somebody who doesn’t know you that well and they can figure out something about you from that essay, I’d say its good enough. I personally believe (I’m no expert though) that essays are another opportunity to show yourself, so make sure you add detail about yourself</p>
<p>The three D’s (drugs, divorce, death) are overused.</p>