I have heard that there are some subjects and strategies that are overdone in common app essays, and that if I use one of these topics I need to be very careful because it is easy to sound cliche and fade into the background. The problem is, I don’t really know what these topics are. So if anyone could enlighten me, that would be great. Basically what do you want to steer clear of when writing a common app essay?
Admissions counselors generally say to avoid the 3 Ds:
-death
-divorce
-disease
UNLESS you can say something particularly insightful about them and how one of these events became an integral part of who you are. Many counselors also say that they hear endless stories about sports, most notably “winning/losing the big game” and “the results of an injury”. As a rule of thumb, I would ask yourself that question: could someone else write this same essay? If the answer is yes, then your topic may not be something that is necessarily unique about you, and ultimately that’s what colleges are looking to hear.
Best of luck!
I personally wouldn’t take an angle that could be considered too controversial and many people in the admissions office could disagree with. It’s nice to be unique and personal, and you should be. However, if you choose a political view people could disagree with strongly or it could sound offensive, you’re hurting yourself.
I think politics is ok just as long as its subtle. I wouldn’t, for example, say how republicans are all stupid but talking about the work you did on a democratic campaign and the party opponent’s views would be ok (good friend of mine did this and got into UNC Chapel Hill). It all depends on how its written. Avoid cliches unless you have something particularly meaningful (ie. no big game, no x person died made me realize the transiency of life etc.).