5 College Essay Topics to Avoid (And What to Write About Instead)

Join my live How to Write a Personal Statement course this fall: www.collegeessayguy.com/how-t...
In this video, Ethan shares a few common/cliché college essay topics that might make it harder for you to stand out in your college application.
Ethan also covers:
- A big list of Common Topics to maybe avoid in your personal statement/college essay
- 5 of the MOST common topics that I would say almost certainly avoid-and this is based on conversations with lots of college admission officers
- 7 ideas for other topics you might try instead
🔗LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO 🔗
How to Stand Out With a Common College Essay Topic (Video):
• How to Write an Awesom...
Should I Talk About Mental Health in College Essays? (Video):
• Should You Talk About ...
⬇ Mental Health Resources ⬇
School Counselors: High schools usually have licensed mental health professionals on staff who are available to meet with students individually or in groups to talk about their struggles and provide support and guidance.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is a national organization that provides resources and support for people affected by mental illness. They offer educational programs, support groups, and advocacy for those with mental health issues.
Crisis Text Line: The Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 text-based crisis support service. Teens can text HOME to 741741 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor who can provide support and resources.
Therapy apps: There are a variety of therapy apps available, such as Talkspace and BetterHelp, that offer online counseling services for a fee. These services can provide access to licensed therapists who can provide support and guidance.
Mental Health America (MHA): MHA is a nonprofit organization that provides resources and support for people with mental health conditions. They offer a range of programs and services, including education, advocacy, and support groups.
✌️WHO AM I? ✌️
I’m Ethan (College Essay Guy) and my goal is to bring more ease, joy, purpose, and access to the college admission process. I wrote two Amazon bestsellers on college essays and each year my team and I reach more than 1MM students and counselors via www.collegeessayguy.com.
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✍ RESOURCES ✍
📖 Free Personal Statement Guide: bit.ly/ps-free-guide
🎙 Podcast: bit.ly/CEGPodcast
📘 College Admission Essentials: bit.ly/3qdEklN
📙 College Essay Essentials: bit.ly/3vIjtbs
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[@achii1679]

0:43 pretty common topics lists. 5 College Essay Topics to Avoid 1:45 big performance essay 2:03 the big game essay 2:14 sports injury essay 2:38 mission trip essay 2:52 mental health issue just found out ive been doing this summarizing video topics thing quite while for my adhd friends hha

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks!

[@hydro_weaver]

Literally I have ADHD, got 1 and a half minutes in and I was like huh I wonder if there are time stamps. BLESS YOU, you are an amazing friend

[@mohammadi411]

Thanks for the amazing videos! So helpful and so comprehensive ❤

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're so welcome!

[@sarahconnell6332]

You are a great counselor. Thank you for all of your advice, in all areas

[@Collegeessayguy]

You're so welcome. Thanks for being here!

[@a.e.c6297]

im recommmending you to every other senior, this is helping me so much!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Glad to hear it!

[@QuasarAficionado]

Hey there! I already finished my essay but your articles have been super helpful during the process, so I just wanted to say thank you in a place you'd see it 😊

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks so much for this comment 😊 It's really appreciated 🙏

[@delia4836]

You're the best, Ethan!

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@admissionsgames]

Great points on avoiding pitfalls in the essay that don't talk enough about the unique experiences that are the value-add on campus (aka the awesome sides on who you are :)) rather than the travel abroad piece

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@zanmar6764]

Great video.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks!

[@iansendelbach8690]

Late to the party, but would writing about how a sports injury from a fairly uncommon sport (Wrestling) changed my mindset on quitting? If it's too cliche, I have other topics ready but have a draft done for this but realize it may be too basic. I don't focus on the injury, it's just used as an introduction. Thank You!

[@rihandhakal7804]

Hi! Can i write about mistakes i have made growing up and how it helped me in character development .. would it be good for college essay ?

[@pearlhwva]

Your videos have been very encouraging in my writing process so far, thank you very much for all that you do! I wanted to write my essay about my favorite K-pop group's complex storyline and how I relate to each member and their individual struggles. I don't think it would be a common topic, but I'm unsure if it can work. What do you think?

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia]

I am a professor. Want some advice?

[@vincentyyen]

Hi Ethan, what if I wrote my personal statement about cooking a dish that highlights my characteristics? Maybe something like relating the different ingredients to my different characteristics, and how they all culminate to make who I am as a person? Do you think that would be a good idea?

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@Zack-vk5hj]

Hello Ethan, I've been watching your videos for half a year. I'm a grade 11 student from Taiwan, so I still have little time to build my activities; but I'm curious about is lifeguarding a rare and beneficial activity for my personal statement essay because I'm currently being a lifeguard (for summer), or should it be in the extracurricular essay?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Depending on how much content you can generate for that topic, it may be slightly easier to use that topic for extracurricular activity essays (since they typically have a lower word count).

[@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia]

I am a professor at a notable university. I will give you free advice since you are Taiwanese. What's your major?

[@madhumita7115]

You are awesome sir

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@_CandaceMiller]

Is writing about a break through with mental health a good topic? Pro tip: listen to the whole thing before asking questions 😅☝🏾

[@Collegeessayguy]

LOL. You got this.

[@srawpdf]

Ethan Help! I already have a draft on how english wasn't my first language and i overcame that and now I teach ukrainians how to speak english online amid war. BUT i don't like this essay for lots of reasons. I'm glad you said to write about something I love because I've always wanted to write about my deep deep love and passion for the show survivor. I know a lot about it and I even made a club based on the show. But I don't know if this is appropriate since officers wouldn't believe that simply watching this show changed me? Should I write about survivor and what angle should I take?

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@sofiasuarez7475]

Hi Ethan! Is it too basic I talk about the contrast between growing up in Colombia (Which has a very lively and colorful culture) and my shy personality, and how that made me want to become a writer?

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@darnosauur]

Do you think these same tips apply when answering specific essay prompts like the UC PIQs?

[@Collegeessayguy]

More or less, yes!

[@bindu.r]

Well, my common app essay topic is a mix of different topics. A short summary: I've been a top student until grade 10, I had to join a diff. school for 11 (due to education system in India). Due to covid I was constricted to join a school I didn't want to, the environment there was utterly negative & toxic which is something I had never experienced. My mental health goes on a decline, accompanied with a burnout and physical health issues. And the fact that I didn't realize about it until quite late + lack of help affects my academics and my life. I switch schools for grade 12, but I was too far affected. After my realization about my mental health, I write about my learnings from it. I also include my activities in it, like how I used quote/peom writing to express myself, how only cooking, music, cars were my only escapes from my current reality. Contrasting between my times when I was at the top and rock bottom, how learnings from them shaped my personality into a trurer & better version of myself: showcasing qualities that I still possess, but also new ones I now have from tougher times. What is your opinion on this? Is it good/unique enough and stands out or is it common? Please reply asap, since deadlines are only a few days away, I'd be really thankful.

[@Collegeessayguy]

That mix of topics could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic clearly demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?"

[@justinlamore2125]

Hi Ethan, I wrote my personal statement about the challenges I experienced during the COVID 19 pandemic and how these challenges made me into a better student. Do you think this would work or would it belong in the additional information section?

[@Collegeessayguy]

There is a COVID-19 prompt included in the Common App where you can detail how coronavirus or other community disruptions/natural disasters have impacted your life. We'd recommend you share this essay there rather than as your personal statement.

[@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia]

What's your major? I work at the university

[@ximenamolina8501]

Hi. I want to write about an injury I had for a year but now I’m not sure what I can charge it for, because I think that topic really made me grow

[@Collegeessayguy]

Like the video explains - injuries are incredibly common topics for college essays. If you're going to use this topic, I recommend drawing uncommon connections or insights that wouldn't typically be found in a common injury essay.

[@atharvanaik06]

Hi Ethan! I am currently writing about my experience in beginning to play hockey as a minority race in the sport, the cultural shock, and the desire to fit in. Would this fall into the themes of cultural identity and new environment, which you said were common topics across essays? Also, I'm hearing from many different sources the the personal statement should be a specific, singular event, but I feel like I could best write my essay by talking about my desire to fit in over a larger period of time. Please share your thoughts. Thank you in advance.

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming! If you're feeling like the topic is too common, try focuing on drawing uncommon connections or insights through your writing.

[@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia]

Oh then you should attend Western Michigan University. They had one of the first black hockey players and native American and Asian too

[@adambilbao2974]

Hey Ethan I chose to talk about my love and I experience with business. Do you think it still works if I talk about parts of my life that contribute to aspects of why I love business?

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@marat2005]

Great video! I know it's probably a stupid question, but does college essay need title?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Nope--no title required.

[@idkwhyamihere7948]

hey! i have a question, what if i write about my background e.g having my entire childhood in a village and how it made education difficult for me but also in a way made me a person who i am today while giving several examples along the way. will this be something good to write upon? (first prompt)

[@Collegeessayguy]

It depends. Typically, we recommend writing about something more recent than your childhood. Colleges want to know what you're currently like, so if you choose a topic that reflects a lot on your childhood, remember to connect it back to your present self.

[@eishaalam8597]

Hi Ethan! I wrote my personal statement about my ethnic country Pakistan (a common topic, I guess?) but talked about how reflecting on my experience helped me become more humble/less judgmental and build realistic plans for problems I see, and focus on the positives. Do you think the values I used are uncommon enough to make me stand out? I also put a lot of imagery and a hook about seeing an air-conditioned yak on the street in a country where people don't have money to feed themselves much less their pet yaks. Please let me know :)

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming! The values of humility and positivity are somewhat common, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't include them!

[@eishaalam8597]

@@Collegeessayguy Thank you! What resource would you suggest for if I am trying to find uncommon connections/values for my personal statement? I am struggling to think about values that are rare.

[@Collegeessayguy]

I suggest checking out these examples of insight/uncommon connections here: static1.squarespace.com/static/527cc9ffe4b06105448def23/t/62793ecab3b9d8705d718a7c/1652113099638/19+Examples+of+How+to+Make+Your+Essay+More+Insightful.pdf

[@eishaalam8597]

@@Collegeessayguy thank you! I also wanted to add, I saw that Girl Scouts is on the list of common topics. I genuinely enjoy Girl Scouts and I have gotten a lot out of it including the Gold Award, a national award that only 6% of girl scouts get. Do you think it is a good topic to write an extracurricular essay on?

[@Collegeessayguy]

It can definitely work for an extracurricular activity essay!

[@jeffcheong939]

What do you think about culture and tradition and being like born ina different culture and embracing it?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Since it is a fairly common topic, check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aF62l2VmrpxlhpI

[@satella8963]

Hey, apologies for the off topic question, in my personal statement the reader had to find the characteristics themselves (although most people understood most of the characteristics ) I got some advice that I should explicitly say the characteristics sometimes, what do you think?

[@Collegeessayguy]

It's tough to say without having read the essay, but implied values/characteristics is totally OK as long as it feels really clear to readers what those are. (No need to get explicit.)

[@satella8963]

Thank you for the quick reply!

[@izzatillousmonov5126]

@@satella8963 hey, I think we can help each other on this. I need a partner. What do you say?

[@sherlyaji5816]

Hi Ethan!! what is your opinion about my essay topic about motivating my peers or being a student psychiatrist in my community and how i literally saved a life through it. Could this essay outstand

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@sherlyaji5816]

@@Collegeessayguy thank you sir, but i want to major in engineering does that affect my admit

[@Collegeessayguy]

It shouldn't make a big difference, no!

[@The_Unnamed_69]

Hi. My essay is about my love for online gaming it and how it led to me learning coding. It reflects about my interests, my ecs and how I grew as a person. My major is CS.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Sounds like you're making a somewhat common topic work well for you!

[@The_Unnamed_69]

@@Collegeessayguy I have another prompt. It is about my persevere cell and resilience. It aligns with the rest of my application as well. It also describes about my hardships during my covid infection What do u suggested, I go with?

[@Collegeessayguy]

That's ultimately up to you! Either topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Will this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@kareembasit4805]

Hello. Im trying to write my essay on my favorite show about someone chasing their dream and am going to try to relate their journey with my own. is this a unique topic?

[@Collegeessayguy]

It's definitely been done before by some of our students. Just make sure the content is your own and draws uncommon connections to your skills, qualities, values, and interests and you should be good to go!

[@user-zw7fe7pb6m]

I want to write about Formula 1, my love for the sport how I grew up with it around me (my dad and brothers watching it) but yet I was told it was a sport for only boys and my experience going to a few races and how I want to break the barrier and work in formula 1 one day. is it a good idea? also, I don't really know where to start with it

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@joystickonomics3570]

what if my personal statement is about moving between two cities *five* times? would that still make it common or no? Also, the end of mine basically just talks about how I want to help other people create themselves, like how moving a lot has had me realize a bunch of things and create myself, is that also a common thing to talk about or no?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Moving is a fairly common topic (I wrote about moving a lotin my own college essay!), so I'd check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aF62l2VmrpxlhpI

[@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia]

"Western Michigan University", a doctoral research university with the largest donation in public university history, is the best. If you get admitted they have tons of generous scholarships and they even pay for your internship and in some cases, for your dorm.

[@Collegeessayguy]

Thanks for sharing.

[@irawoayoolagbaiye9217]

Hi Ethan! Thank you so much for this video, but now watching your video, i have become slightly nervous about my essay. I already finished it and don't want to restart. My essay is about an essence object: my journal. And how it carries all the past versions of myself and how i have and still can grow, but my past versions of myself have a lot of mental health issues. I know you said to avoid talking about mental health, so is my approach different enough or should i start trying to write a new essay?

[@Collegeessayguy]

You don't necessarily have to avoid writing about your mental health. Ideally, if you are writing about it, it's something you've learned to overcome or are not actively dealing with on a daily basis. You can keep your essay! Perhaps do a bit more revising to ensure your insights, values, and skills are clear (and hopefully somewhat less common).

[@user-bu1by6cy6z]

How can I find the "How to write about engineering" video? One of my student wrote one of his essays about leLego and Engineering and I want to help him.

[@Collegeessayguy]

We're publishing it to the channel soon!

[@user-fk4uf1kr7h]

Hi ethan, i wrote on happiness I wrote on how i lost my friend and how the experience helped me shape my life and my passion for science. Do you think It'll work? And please drop a link on where i van get someone proofread my essays for free and give me nice feedbacks

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming! 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.

[@kris2585]

Why not lawyer?

[@geoffbenedicttorejos3513]

Where's the link for the engineering topics?

[@Collegeessayguy]

It's coming soon! When we upload it, it'll be linked in the description.

[@kobiethepumpkinspice]

Tyouuu 😢

[@Collegeessayguy]

No p

[@jayparekh4080]

Hey Ethan, I wrote about my experience as a soccer goalie, and how it helped me build self-confidence and get into the zone. I also talked about how I applied this to my academic life. Is this a cliche topic?

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@omneiataher5301]

Hi i am really willing to write about my business ( it's drawing on glasses) is this a good topic to stand out? And i draw alot about my country (palestine) do you think it will affect badly? So i should delete some posts

[@omneiataher5301]

And I was planing to talk about how I started how I become how I developed... and what success the business is now having

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@dulahjalls3032]

Can writing about using a dustbin as my basketball hoop be wonderful?

[@Collegeessayguy]

That topic could work! A good question to ask yourself is: "Does this topic demonstrate the skills, qualities, values, and interests I offer the school as an incoming student?" If yes, then start outlining and writing your first drafts. If no, go back to brainstorming!

[@mkhululidube-pz3ze]

Hi Ethan. Thanks for the informative video. May you please review my essay for me. I've just completed my final draft. Thanks once again from Zimbabwe

[@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 someone from our team will be in touch with you soon. www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-coaching Hope this helps! We believe in you.

[@Archit_thevlogger]

Hy eathan , I need someone to proofread my essay. Can anyone 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.

[@lionelyan4920]

Where is the video for stem students about legos?

[@Collegeessayguy]

It's coming soon! When we upload it, it'll be linked in the description.

[@davidmasneri3505]

Do you know any great Maya Angelou quotes to write an essay on?

[@Collegeessayguy]

If this is for a school assignment or supplemental essay, you should probably select the quote yourself. There are plenty of impactful and profound quotes from Maya Angelou. Maybe start with a google search?

[@davidmasneri3505]

@@Collegeessayguy It’s for a supplementary essay. I did a google search, but I am looking for a more uncommon quote the admissions officers don’t see very much.

[@Collegeessayguy]

In this situation then, I'd recommend choosing a quote that is profund to you in some way so that the writing component isn't forced. And don't worry - if the prompt is specifically asking for a Maya Angelou quote, the readers are prepared to engage with content from the same quotes over and over.

[@allahiseternal8422]

4:32

[@Collegeessayguy]

Ha! Awesome.

[@dat1guy259]

how come you shouldn't write about water polo, as most people don't do it

[@Collegeessayguy]

It's not that you SHOULDN'T write about it--it's that water polo is a relatively common topic which can make it harder for students to stand out if they choose to write about it profusely in their college essays. If you're going to write about water polo, try including uncommon insights/connections to help your chances of standing out.

[@dat1guy259]

@@Collegeessayguy thank you.

[@sabalschuster2909]

Hi im an engineering student and I cant find your video about legos.

[@gretagizeolbrich6841]

Same! I was looking for the "STEM" student "don't talk about Legos" Engineering video but couldn't find it. And I wanted to watch the mental health video too, but it is marked as Private.

[@Collegeessayguy]

We'll be uploading it soon! Stay tuned! If you want to know the instant it goes live, make sure you have our post notifications turned on.

[@gretagizeolbrich6841]

thanks! @@Collegeessayguy

[@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia]

Western Michigan University would be a good choice

[@user-tr2fj9cf8p]

why not lawyer?

[@Collegeessayguy]

Could you please clarify your question or phrase it differently? Hope to get back to you!

[@user-tr2fj9cf8p]

@@Collegeessayguy In the video you said you love it when students talk about skills which will serve them in their career. But then you said "Maybe not a Lawyer". For context I aspire to become a lawyer and am really confused what to write about. Thanks in advance ( Your videos are really helpful thanks a lot).

[@Collegeessayguy]

Law is a common career path and while it's not wrong to want to be a laywer (quite the opposite actually!) writing about skills that would help you in law could be a more common essay that admissions readers are encountering. In that case, it might serve you better to write about one of the other 7 suggestions, such as I Love/I Know, homes, or identities.

[@liamsagucio9851]

Lego

[@Collegeessayguy]

😤

[@user-pm5fn8zk1w]