Supplemental Essay - How to stand out

What do you guys think are some of the most common mistakes made in the supplemental essays, besides the usual ones (I like the urban environment, pretty campus, other lame cliches)?Furthermore, how can I make my essay more interesting than just “I’d like to join this club because __.” or " I want to network with professor because ___." ?

Do any graduated seniors have advice on writing the supp? I know most questions on this forum are about personal statements. Thanks!!!

On the supplementals, do your homework and find out how that college specifically will help you accomplish your goals as a student and/or global citizen. You have to wow 'em by virtue of the fact that not explicitly, but more sublimely you illustrate why you and the college are a match, and how they and you see yourself there contributing and gaining from their community. Good Luck. Good question.

This might be a little but open ended but what I would recommend is research the university and find some key princelpes that the university is all about. Then in all of your answers try to relate your life to these principles in subtle ways. Also talk about what you bring to the university rather than what you think the university can bring to you.