5 College Entrance Essay Mistakes to Avoid
Picture this. You've spent countless hours preparing for standardized tests, maintained an excellent GPA, and filled your resume with extracurricular activities.
But, the one thing standing between you and your dream college may just be a 650-word essay. One tiny document in your application can make or break your entire academic future.
Scary, isn't it?
Not with the right guidance.
By sidestepping a few common pitfalls, you can craft a college entrance essay that leaves a lasting impression. Keep reading for a closer look at the top college entrance essay mistakes to avoid.
1. Overusing Adjectives and Adverbs
We've all been there: trying to elevate our writing by sprinkling in some adjectives and adverbs to make it sound more compelling.
It's an understandable instinct. After all, who wouldn't want to describe their life-changing journey as 'utterly transformative' or their community service experience as 'incredibly meaningful'?
However, this is where we can go wrong. Piling on too many adjectives and adverbs often accomplishes the opposite of what we intend.
Instead of adding emphasis, overuse of these modifiers can actually dilute the impact of your words. Heavy reliance on adjectives and adverbs also gives the impression that you're trying to pad your essay; this will end up raising red flags for admissions officers.
The key is to use descriptive words sparingly and only where they genuinely add value.
2. Sounding Too Formal
A college entrance essay must be well-written and professional; it shouldn't read like a legal document or a scientific research paper. Using phrases like "henceforth," "as per," or "herewith" can make your essay sound overly formal and out of touch with who you genuinely are.
The challenge here is to find the balance between formal and informal writing. Avoid slang and colloquial expressions, but don't hesitate to inject your essay with phrases you would naturally use in a meaningful, one-on-one conversation. This will make you come across as more relatable, genuine, and engaging.
3. The Generic Approach
Adopting a generic approach is one of the greatest college entrance essay mistakes. A generic essay filled with cliches and broad statements will likely be forgotten as soon as it's read.
When I talk about a 'generic approach,' I'm referring to essays that could essentially apply to any applicant. These essays are usually characterized by sweeping statements like "I want to make the world a better place," or "I've always been passionate about [insert subject]." While these statements may be true, they don't tell the admissions officer anything unique about you.
Instead, strive to make your essay specific and personal. Use real-life examples, experiences, and emotions to convey your points. The more specific you are, the more believable and engaging your essay becomes. Your goal is to make the admissions officer feel something when they read your essay: inspiration, excitement, or even empathy.
4. Ignoring Structure and Flow
Your college entrance essay isn't just a collection of paragraphs; it should be a well-structured narrative that builds upon itself. Many applicants underestimate the importance of structure and flow, resulting in essays that read like a jumble of unrelated thoughts.
A well-structured essay has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Each paragraph should serve a distinct purpose, providing new information, perspectives, or arguments that support your overall theme. Transition sentences can be particularly helpful in maintaining flow between paragraphs.
5. Overlooking the Power of Editing
Even the most skilled writers seldom produce their best work in the first draft. Writing is a process, and editing is where that process is refined and polished.
The initial rounds of editing should focus on content. Are there redundancies? Does every paragraph contribute to your overall message? Are there places where you could add more detail or examples? Subsequent rounds should concentrate on language, tone, and syntax. This is your opportunity to eliminate errors, improve word choice, and ensure your essay reads smoothly.
Never underestimate the value of a second, third, or even fourth pair of eyes. Fresh perspectives can provide invaluable insights into how others may perceive your essay.
Sharon D. Silverman: Your Guide to a Winning Essay
When it comes to avoiding college entrance essay mistakes, professional guidance can be invaluable. I'm Sharon D. Silverman, an experienced English literature tutor in Berkeley, CA. I provide one-on-one college entrance essay coaching to help you avoid these common mistakes and nurture your unique voice.
If you're ready to craft an essay that stands out for all the right reasons, feel free to contact me. As a reputable, knowledgeable, and dedicated English tutor, I'll help you brainstorm a college entrance essay that engages, moves, and wows admissions officers. Let's begin!