What Not to Write About in a College Essay
When it comes to writing a college essay, there are certain topics that you should avoid. These topics are either overused, cliche, or simply not appropriate for a college essay. In this blog post, we will discuss what not to write about in a college essay and provide some tips on choosing a good topic.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing a college essay topic is to avoid writing about something that is overused or cliche. These topics have been written about countless times, and admissions officers are likely to be bored by them. Some examples of overused and cliche essay topics include:
- The importance of hard work
- The challenges of growing up
- The power of friendship
- The importance of family
- The experience of overcoming adversity
Another thing to avoid when choosing a college essay topic is writing about something that is not appropriate for a college essay. This includes topics that are too personal, too controversial, or too technical. Some examples of inappropriate essay topics include:
- Your political beliefs
- Your religious beliefs
- Your sexual orientation
- Your mental health
- Your drug use
So, What Should You Write About in a College Essay?
Now that we have discussed what not to write about in a college essay, let’s talk about what you should write about. The best essay topics are personal, meaningful, and reflective. They allow you to share your unique perspective on the world and demonstrate your writing skills. When choosing a topic, consider your interests, experiences, and values. What are you passionate about? What have you learned from your experiences? What do you believe in?
Once you have chosen a topic, take some time to brainstorm and develop your ideas. What is your main point? What evidence can you provide to support your point? How can you make your essay interesting and engaging? Once you have a good understanding of your topic, you can begin writing your essay.
Tips for Writing a College Essay
Here are a few tips for writing a college essay:
- Start with a strong hook. The hook is the first sentence of your essay, and it is what will grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read more. Your hook can be a question, a statistic, a quote, or a personal anecdote.
- Organize your essay logically. Your essay should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should introduce your topic and your main point. The body should provide evidence to support your point. The conclusion should summarize your main points and leave the reader with a lasting impression.
- Use strong evidence to support your points. Your evidence can come from personal experiences, research, or other sources. Make sure your evidence is relevant and credible.
- Write in a clear and concise style. Your essay should be easy to read and understand. Avoid using jargon or technical language. Write in a way that is natural and authentic to you.
- Proofread your essay carefully. Make sure there are no errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about writing college essays:
- How long should my essay be? The ideal length for a college essay is 500-600 words.
- What font should I use? Use a standard font, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be 12 points.
- What margins should I use? Use 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Do I need to include a title page? No, you do not need to include a title page.
- Can I use quotes in my essay? Yes, you can use quotes in your essay, but make sure to cite the source.
Conclusion
Writing a college essay can be a daunting task, but it is also an opportunity to share your unique perspective on the world. By following the tips in this blog post, you can write a college essay that is well-written, engaging, and informative.
Are you interested in learning more about writing college essays? Check out our other blog posts on the topic.