9 College Essay Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them!)

[@Collegeessayguy]

Have your own piece of college essay wisdom? Leave a comment below and let me know!

[@Amanda.Cooper]

Do you have videos for transfer students? I'm at a community college and will transfer next fall

[@Collegeessayguy]

No video (yet!) but I have a full guide for transfer applicants here: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/college-transfer-essay-examples

[@nooramina17]

Hello! Can u explain more on the focusing lens, and what exactly do you mean by a thematic thread? Should I use an essence object from the essence objects exercise, would that work as a focus lens?

[@3frem410]

"get most of it done in the summer" - me watching this in late august

[@corvussmith9521]

same

[@carter5175]

Haha same

[@lumpyspaceprince898]

me rn

[@Collegeessayguy]

Classic! :)

[@israelprojectz2925]

I’m watching it in September 😂😂🤦🏽‍♂️

[@heathergoncalves7852]

7:41 well here i am the day before i have to turn in all my applications

[@DraiVlogs]

heather goncalves mine deadline is Sunday 😬

[@heathergoncalves7852]

Dravin Allen Vlogs stay strong soldier 😔✊🏼

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hope it blew over well! Thanks for watching. :)

[@jazminemoore1450]

POV: me watching this with 5 essays due in 4 days

[@Collegeessayguy]

Lol!

[@2alyza140]

girl me too

[@user-ju8jv5jo2p]

Man, these tips were fantastic. My only regret? Not being able to avoid the last mistake. Watching this two weeks before starting any of the essays due in two weeks for regular decision.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Wherever you're at is OK. :) Thanks for sharing!

[@sam_9228]

Same lmao

[@marktheshark5733]

Dang I’m a senior and I’m just starting now

[@isabellaluo2712]

Hey same. Really stressed now.

[@robin7433]

I had a fever dream last night about the college application process

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this, Mark. I BELIEVE IN YOU.

[@esophagoose]

I started like two weeks ago

[@danielhao5790]

Same

[@nanditaadhikari6866]

Watching this in September check!

[@samkurtz7540]

thats cute i just got here lmaoooo

[@Collegeessayguy]

Lol!

[@kelleynkim]

I think I'm just stuck.... I have a pretty solid idea, but I can't seem to put it into words. My rough draft is also very disorganized and my thoughts are just scattered everywhere...

[@andreacastro4405]

SAME

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!

[@ithoughtuwereamerican8707]

this is late but its for anyone else reading this and feeling the same: we can do it, i promise. we're enough and we can do it. my current method is that train of thought rough draft, and then pulling themes and sections out of it. prioritize one theme and a path through it to form a bit of an outline. then reference that and your first draft to write up an official lil rough draft

[@becca5501]

4:33 great brainstorm different parts/focusing lens (a thread that connects everything)

[@Collegeessayguy]

:)

[@tommyhurst8741]

Thank you! This is so helpful for me creating a montage type essay.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@meganpetronsky3750]

Always great tips! Thank you. It will be nice for my students to hear this from someone else and not me all of the time.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks, Megan! It doesn't hurt to hear good advice from a few different people.

[@EmEmEmuhlee]

thank you so much! the splitting into three really helped.

[@Collegeessayguy]

I love that structure.

[@alexbelles1370]

This guy: recommending getting things done months in advance. Me: “my essay is due in a week...”

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this. I recommend this blog since you're in a bit of a hurry: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/write-your-college-essay-in-just-one-night

[@virginiablackwell8541]

Wonderful video Ethan! Keep up the good work! We love you and the kids do too! You are touching kids lives all over the country with your willingness to share your expertise with them and those of us who all are in this work together! THANK YOU!!!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thank you, Virginia! You are too kind.

[@alexanderparada8290]

Hopefully this video helps, I always have that mistake from any essays especially this year, it's time for me that I fixed them better and tried to memorize them better. I have trouble trying to do the new essays too and to write some topics that don't make sense for some reason. I don't know what's been holding me back, it's ridiculous I want to end this suffering. I always do it every minute for no reason and it's getting on my nerves. I do a bad job trying do the right things for myself.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for sharing. You're putting in the work...and that's something worth acknowledging! I think you will find my online (pay-what-you-can) courses very helpful! The next sessions start in November. I would love to see you there. A nice perk too is that you will get access to our College Essay Guy Discord server where over 1,000 students are helping and supporting each other through the college application process. You're not alone! www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-courses

[@elizabethsmith7753]

My students LOVE your videos!

[@Collegeessayguy]

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@swathyachauhan8992]

Me starting my own essays in November like 😶

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this. :)

[@milkteadj6685]

Thank you! Your videos are actually making me start to enjoy college apps (a bit)

[@Collegeessayguy]

That's awesome! You got this.

[@sarali9186]

Wow I wish you were able to look over my essay

[@Collegeessayguy]

If you register for my online courses, you may be able to get your essay reviewed live. More info here: www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-courses

[@mxxatlaw]

Well, here I am with my EA application due in three days...

[@dubnation6605]

Same😂😂

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this.

[@simpledanman]

Maybe I can use this video to pass my english class. I absolutely hate writing essays though and see next to no point in writing them... Stil can't decide if I'm going to actually try to regurgitate the information I've been taught in word form and actually try, or if I'm going to practice malicious compliance and just make them the most absolutely boring thing ever read in the history of man.

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL. I appreciate your thought process. You got this.

[@rethibna]

It was quite informative:) thanks a lot!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Welcome!

[@abdullahahmed3843]

It’s pretty nice listening to your tips, love your work👏🏼

[@Collegeessayguy]

I appreciate that!

[@eyob_g]

2:27 "So what?" moments

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for that!

[@malitedeborah2321]

I didn’t do a lot of extra-curriculars in high school because there weren’t a lot of active clubs and I’m not athletic, what do I do I’m scared

[@Collegeessayguy]

If your school didn't offer a lot of activities or you had other responsibilities that stopped you from joining ECs, explain that in the Additional Information section. It usually won't count against you. :)

[@madameliv]

OMG I am a newish to English teacher and you just saved me! (Department mysteriously has nothing to share!) Are you available for group question/answer sessions?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching! I'm swamped during this time of year, but I think you'll find some value from the free counselor resources on my website: www.collegeessayguy.com/counselor-resources Hope this helps!

[@ktmuller4286]

pov- you’ve decided to rewrite your common app essay 3 hours before it’s due

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL! You got this.

[@daymeh4806]

When it’s due in 4 days😓

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!

[@rachaelvandevusse7715]

Good Morning - I am a school counselor and have been following you for the past couple of years and a bunch of students from our school district have attended your workshops. I am looking to run a college essay group meeting for juniors in June and we are working through the agenda. What is your recommendation for the best video of yours to show to the group? I don't want to overwhelm the students. The 9 College Essay mistakes video seems to be our frontrunner, it hits on fantastic points. Thanks so much for all of your help and let me know what you think!

[@Collegeessayguy]

I'd recommend this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5yaoX-Pac-Verc&t Why? It focuses what students can and should focus on, which I think is more practical and useful. Also, consider signing up your school for College Essay Guy for Schools! www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-guy-for-schools It's pay-what-you-can (so free!) and I'll walk your students live through writing great college essays.

[@starryfolks]

This guy has an amazing course online tho

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for chiming in with that! Here's a link for those looking for more info: www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-courses

[@jsnvndbrk]

Great advice! Also, that's a very nice shirt.

[@alexmaestas9695]

But yes, that shirt is beautiful and brings the most bittersweet tears to my eyes.

[@alexmaestas9695]

@Broderick Clark That shirt is nearly orgasmic. I cannot stop thinking about it.

[@alexmaestas9695]

@Timothy Longoria My fascination with this shirt goes way beyond the boundaries of conventional language. Beautiful.

[@alexmaestas9695]

@Timothy Longoria If i could as so much as be in the presence of such a magnificent shirt I truly feel my life will have reached its pinnacle, and that for the rest of my life I will try to recreate the happiness I experienced by seeing such a shirt.

[@alexmaestas9695]

@Broderick Clark I would offer my own child in exchange for even one button of this shirt.

[@monicamoore2078]

Thank you!!’ I 👍🏻, shared and Subscribed immediately after listening to this. My son is a Junior so I will be using this site a lot; As Will He😉 You are amazing. So Grateful :)

[@Collegeessayguy]

Welcome aboard!

[@myric5693]

I guess I shouldn't be starting my why us for my ED now

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're doing exactly what you should be doing. :) You got this.

[@alexmaestas9695]

yo mama

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks so much Alex for this beautiful insight.

[@beyondintervals6606]

@Alex Maestas Woah woah woah, chill out dawg chill out

[@Lillyanna707]

“Summer” Me in December:

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL! You got this

[@dhaqan25hassan83]

Thanks man this 🙏 🙌 👌 ❤ 👍 💯 🙏

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@shaymaaahmed8073]

My essay is about a chicken toy😂😂😂😂

[@Collegeessayguy]

Love that!

[@catastrophe2155]

I am legit watching this in December TTT IMAO

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!

[@matiahulysse948]

Where is the link to how to write a Montage essay?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Here you are: www.collegeessayguy.com/cwiab-student-18-montage-structure-sample-essay

[@egshiglenb2443]

84k views? How? How such a great college essay tip video has only 84k views 🥲

[@Collegeessayguy]

Appreciate you!

[@shreykabir]

Do u review essays?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi there! Thanks for writing in. We have an essay review platform where you can submit college essays for review by our CEG team. There are paid and free options available. review.collegeessayguy.com/ If you're looking for 1-on-1 help with your college application and essays, please submit a request form at this link and John from our team will be in touch with you soon. www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-coaching Hope this helps! We believe in you.

[@TheCalcSeries]

This video is great

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@shrawanipal]

hi, What is the link to the brainstorming exercise?

[@Collegeessayguy]

All my brainstorming exercises can be found here: www.collegeessayguy.com/college-admissions-blog#E

[@JJ-vr5hw]

Is it okay that I wrote my personal essay as if you would write a book chapter 1 ,2,3 they were short cause it was only 650 words

[@Collegeessayguy]

Sounds like a pretty cool idea to me if you can pull it off in 650 words!

[@ethannguyen7447]

i’m about 10 drafts into my common app essay now but it just seems too cliche. is it too late to write another one

[@chloecollins7513]

dude i haven’t even started

[@eslemnuralbayrak3503]

@@chloecollins7513 DKSADSAJSAKFSA same.... I really am so nervous

[@Collegeessayguy]

Good writing is re-writing! Don't be afraid to start over.

[@riannebanzuela7099]

Me watching this in october!

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!

[@Nicolelie123]

Hey college east books what is it

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi there. I'm not understanding your question. Could you rephrase it for me?

[@serginebelance9478]

Too bad I'm starting last min igh

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this. :)

[@mesayandargachew3063]

First off all TNX for you vedioa it really helps a lot but I did write an essay and I can't help my self if it is good or not for me it is not that bad but I really need an expert plsss on GOD I can you review it an give me an honest opinion it's like my entire chapter learning journey depends on it so are you willing to help me 😢

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi there! Thanks for writing in. Unfortunately, Ethan is swamped this time of year and cannot review or provide feedback on essays. We suggest referring to these blog posts to help with revising your essay: 1. www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/5-steps-revising-your-college-essay 2. www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/improve-college-essays-last-minute If you're looking for 1-on-1 help with your college application and essays, please submit a request form at this link and John from our team will be in touch with you soon. www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-coaching Hope this helps! We believe in you.

[@begaliaslonov3429]

Sir I wrote my essay in the narrative structure but cannot add the turning point one specific part. Will you please help me with that? How can I contact you?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Unfortunately I can't review essays for every student, but if curious about working with my team, you can reach out here: www.collegeessayguy.com/one-on-one/ Also, check out my free guide here: www.collegeessayguy.com/

[@jayxruzz]

Watching this In Feburary smh!

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!

[@tanishagaikwad780]

Im watching it now... Do u think ill make it?

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!

[@ayachavez7450]

...w-watch me speedrun this

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!

[@ryannurey498]

i have 9 days to write an essay LOL

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this.

[@geovanymartin3143]

Can we send our essays for you to leave comments on ?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Hi Geovany! Unfortunately, since I get so many requests from students asking for feedback, I'm not able to offer comments on your essays. Check out my free guide linked in the description for resources on guiding you through the process, plus my favorite exercise for helping students revise their own essay. It's called the Great College Essay Test: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z17acqN5hqeolZo

[@akaurqio4320]

i dont believe in college

[@Collegeessayguy]

OK! College isn't for everyone.

[@rafahslifestyle6510]

Not my fault but I just started applying to the University a month before application deadline and now I'm writing the essay less than a week before the application deadline i wish someone told me to apply to international universities earlier. Wish me luck guys!

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!

[@rafahslifestyle6510]

@@Collegeessayguy I got in!!!!!

[@adachoudhry5523]

@@rafahslifestyle6510 That's amazing! Where did you go?

[@HenryOmondi-ne1kn]

Yeah getting great advices actually am loving it and with the guidance l am going write the best

[@Collegeessayguy]

You got this!