6 College Essay Topics to Avoid When Choosing a Topic
The First Step to Reducing Mistakes in U.S. College Admissions
Dear Parents,
One of the most critical components of your child’s U.S. college application is undoubtedly the personal essay. While GPA, SAT scores, and extracurricular activities are all essential, the college essay offers a rare opportunity for students to express who they truly are — how they think, grow, and reflect on life.
Unfortunately, many students miss this chance by selecting the wrong essay topics. In this post, we’ll explore six types of topics students should avoid when writing their college essay and explain why these may weaken their application rather than strengthen it.
1. Overly General and Cliché Stories
Statements like:
- “I worked hard and eventually succeeded.”
- “Teamwork taught me many lessons.”
These may sound meaningful, but they’re among the most common types of essays that admissions officers read — often dozens or even hundreds in a single week. While the topic may seem important to the student, from the reader’s perspective, it may feel generic and unoriginal.
📌 Examples to avoid:
- Losing a soccer match but learning to persevere
- Failing a math test but later improving through effort
➡️ These topics are not inherently bad, but without a unique angle or deeper insight, they fail to leave a lasting impression.
2. Overly Negative or Victim-Focused Narratives
Discussing personal hardship isn’t wrong — in fact, it can be powerful. However, essays that focus solely on pain, loss, or conflict without meaningful reflection can feel like self-pity. This approach may leave readers uncomfortable or unsure of the student’s emotional maturity.
📌 Examples:
- Graphic descriptions of being bullied
- Deep emotional wounds from a family divorce
➡️ It’s okay to mention difficult experiences, but the emphasis should be on what the student learned and how they grew from those events. Emotional storytelling is only effective when paired with personal insight and resilience.
3. Essays That Rely Too Heavily on Humor or Are Too Lighthearted
A touch of humor can make an essay memorable, but when overdone or used in place of sincere reflection, it may suggest a lack of maturity.
📌 Example to avoid:
- An essay titled “Why I’m the Best Instant Ramen Chef” with no deeper message
➡️ Humor should be like seasoning — used sparingly and tastefully. The essay still needs a clear purpose and genuine voice at its core.
4. Essays About Other People’s Stories
It’s natural for students to admire their parents, grandparents, or mentors. However, when the essay focuses too much on someone else’s story, the spotlight drifts away from the student — the person colleges want to get to know.
📌 Example:
- “My father is an amazing person,” followed by a full essay describing the father’s life
➡️ If other people are mentioned, make sure they’re a supporting character, not the lead. The central focus must always be on how the student was influenced or changed by that person.
5. Overly Boastful or Self-Promoting Content
It’s perfectly acceptable — even necessary — for students to talk about their achievements. However, if the essay reads like a résumé or a list of awards, it can come across as arrogant or disconnected.
📌 Example to avoid:
- “I’ve won three national championships, scored perfectly on the SAT, and everyone sees me as a leader.”
➡️ What matters more than the accomplishment itself is how it shaped the student’s values, perspectives, and future goals.
6. Politically or Religiously Sensitive Topics
A student’s political or religious views can be an important part of their identity. However, expressing strong opinions or controversial beliefs may alienate readers or raise concerns about the student’s openness to differing perspectives.
➡️ Since admissions officers come from diverse backgrounds, it’s best to approach such topics with great care — or consider a more neutral subject that showcases the student’s character in a universally accessible way.
When Choosing an Essay Topic, Remember:
- Choose a topic that reveals who the student is and what they value.
- Even small, everyday experiences can be powerful when presented with honesty and reflection.
- The best essays often come from ordinary moments, not dramatic events.
A Word of Advice for Parents
When your child is deciding on an essay topic, try not to focus solely on what sounds impressive. Instead, have a conversation about why that experience mattered to them and what it taught them.
Also, encourage your child not to overthink what the college “wants to hear.” The most memorable essays come from a place of authenticity. If it’s a true story that your child feels connected to, it will resonate with the reader.
In Closing
A college essay is not just a writing assignment — it’s an opportunity for your child to reflect, grow, and articulate who they are. We invite you to be a supportive listener and thoughtful guide during this meaningful process.
If you would like individual feedback on your child’s essay topic or need help with personalized guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Elite Prep.
📍 www.eliteprep.com/contact-us
We’re here to help every student find their unique voice — and the right path forward.
Thank you for reading,
Andy Lee
Elite Prep Suwanee powered by Elite Open School
📍 1291 Old Peachtree Rd, NW #127, Suwanee, GA 30024
🌐 eliteprep.com/suwanee
📧 andy.lee@eliteprep.com
📞 Tel & Text: 470.253.1004
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