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This article will explore the two primary types of mistakes students make in their college application essays: grammar errors and content-related issues. Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to understand what college application essays are and address some common questions students ask about them.
1. What Is a College Application Essay? Frequently Asked Questions
College application essays are a crucial part of the application process, offering a unique opportunity to show admissions officers who you are as a person. They help demonstrate why you’re a strong fit for the schools you’re applying to and what makes you a compelling future member of their community. Typically, there are two types of essays you’ll need to write: the Common App/personal statement and school-specific supplemental essays.
When to write a personal statement?
Ideally, you should start brainstorming and drafting your personal statement during the summer before your senior year. This gives you time to reflect, revise, and avoid the stress of last-minute writing. If you are planning to apply early for college (early decision or early action), it is suggested that you finish writing your essay before the start of your senior year.
How long is a personal statement?
The Common App personal statement has a maximum word limit of 650 words.
Can the Common App essay be longer than 650 words?
No. The Common App portal will cut off any text that exceeds 650 words, so make sure your final version adheres to the word limit.
When is the Common App essay due?
The Common Application typically opens on August 1, and deadlines vary by school. Most early decision and early action deadlines fall in October or November, while regular decision deadlines are usually in January.
2. Grammar Mistakes to Avoid in Your College Essay
Grammar and writing style significantly impact how admissions officers perceive your communication skills and attention to detail. While most students understand the importance of proper grammar and spelling, there are common mistakes that you should be aware of that can undermine a strong application. Below is a list of grammar mistakes to avoid in your college essays, compiled by U.S. News.
Overuse of the Passive Voice
Using the passive voice can make your writing feel weak or impersonal. Instead, write in the active voice to create clarity and demonstrate initiative.
Example:
- Passive: A decision was made to join the science club.
- Active: I decided to join the science club.
Using the active voice makes your writing stronger and emphasizes your role in taking action, a trait that colleges value.
Incorrect Punctuation
Misused commas, run-on sentences, or missing periods can disrupt the flow of your writing and make it difficult to read. In some cases, punctuation misuse can even change the meaning of your sentences, leading to confusion or misinterpretation. Be sure to proofread carefully or ask someone else to review your essay for clarity.
Use of Slang and Contractions
Even if you’re aiming for a conversational tone, avoid slang, abbreviations, and texting-style language. Not all readers understand informal expressions, which could result in miscommunication.
If you feel that specific slang or abbreviations are essential to your story, consider including a brief explanation. When possible, stick to formal English. Clear, professional language increases your credibility and ensures your message is understood.
Unnatural Use of Big Words
Trying too hard to sound intellectual by overusing advanced vocabulary can make your writing feel forced or inauthentic. Remember, this essay is about you, your voice, your story, and your growth. Choose clarity over complexity.
Admissions officers value clear communication and sincerity over flowery language. Use words that feel natural to you and prioritize straightforward expression over unnecessary complexity.
Overuse of Profanity
While there’s no formal rule against profanity in college essays, using it excessively can damage your chances. Even if you’re recounting a real-life experience, too much strong language may come off as unprofessional or immature.
A Brown University admissions officer once shared that he rejected a strong applicant because the essay contained excessive use of “F-bombs.” The lesson here is to focus on storytelling without crossing professional boundaries and respect for your audience.
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3. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your College Essay
Before you begin writing, it’s essential to be aware of the common pitfalls regarding the content of your Common App essay. Reviewing them in advance can help you create a compelling and authentic personal statement.
Writing What You Think Admissions Officers Want to Hear
The purpose of a personal statement is to reveal the authentic version of yourself, not a version you think admissions officers want to see. Avoid writing a generic essay based on assumptions about what colleges are looking for. Instead, be honest and true to your experiences. Your genuine story is what will truly set you apart.
Starting Too Late
Procrastination is a major risk when it comes to writing college essays. Since most colleges consider the essay a critical part of the application process, giving yourself enough time is key. Even if you’re unsure where to start, begin with any idea—even one that doesn’t seem ideal—and refine it over time. A rushed essay often lacks structure and polish, so by starting too late, you lower your chances of getting into the school of your dreams.
Trying to Cover Every Achievement
Your essay is not a résumé. There’s already a section in the application dedicated to listing your activities and awards. Sometimes, essays that list achievements can appear incoherent. Instead of summarizing all your accomplishments, focus on one meaningful experience or moment of personal growth. Admissions officers want insight into how you’ve changed, what you’ve learned, and how you think, not just what you’ve done.
Writing a Celebratory Essay
It’s natural to want to highlight someone who inspired you or a hardship you’ve overcome, but be careful not to let the focus drift away from you. If your essay ends up sounding like a tribute to someone else or a dramatic recount of an event without reflection, it may not serve its purpose. It’s fine to celebrate your achievements or acknowledge your family’s sacrifices, but be sure to bring the focus back to your growth and the lessons you’ve learned from those experiences. Ensure you are at the heart of the story.
Using Cliché Topics or Structures
Admissions officers read thousands of essays. Stories about winning (or losing) the big game, or discovering a new perspective on a service trip, can quickly become repetitive. If you do choose a common topic, make it personal. Highlight your unique perspective and focus on how the experience genuinely shaped you. Originality doesn’t always come from the event—it comes from how you interpret and learn from it.
Skipping Proofreading and Editing
Don’t underestimate the power of editing. Spelling errors, awkward phrasing, and formatting issues can all be avoided with careful proofreading. Beyond correcting grammatical mistakes, editing helps ensure that your essay clearly reflects your voice and story. Consider getting feedback from a teacher, mentor, or peer. A fresh perspective can offer valuable insight into how you can improve and make your essay stand out.
Your college essay is your opportunity to speak directly to admissions officers and show them who you are beyond grades and test scores. By avoiding common mistakes and staying true to your voice, you can write an essay that leaves a lasting impression.
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