3 Common Essay Mistakes That Can Hurt Your College Application
Hello students and parents,
As college admissions grow increasingly competitive, one factor has become more important than ever: the college essay.
Especially for top-tier universities, essays carry significant weight—sometimes even becoming the deciding factor when applicants have similar GPAs and test scores. Yet, many students unknowingly make critical mistakes that can hurt their chances, despite putting in lots of effort.
In today’s post, I’ll walk you through three major mistakes you should absolutely avoid in your admissions essay. These small errors might seem minor, but they can easily determine whether you’re accepted or rejected.
Let’s take a closer look.
❌ Mistake #1: The “All About Me” Essay
This is one of the most common pitfalls. Of course, your essay should reflect your achievements and experiences. But problems arise when the entire essay turns into a brag list that screams, “Look how great I am!”
For example:
“I have strong leadership skills. I led every project I was part of and made sure they all succeeded.”
Essays like this risk coming off as insincere or arrogant. Admissions officers are not just looking for high achievers—they’re seeking students who are self-aware, open to learning, and capable of growth.
✅ What’s a Better Approach?
Instead of focusing only on the end result, highlight your journey. Share the struggles, decisions, and lessons you learned. If you overcame a weakness or grew through a challenge, those stories are far more compelling—and far more authentic.
❌ Mistake #2: Vague or Abstract Language
Another common issue is when students rely too heavily on general or abstract statements without offering specific examples.
For instance:
“I like helping others. I want to change the world someday.”
The intention may be good, but such statements lack the depth and detail needed to truly engage the reader. Without specifics, it’s hard for an admissions officer to understand who you are as a person.
✅ How to Fix This
Ground your essay in real-life examples. Describe a moment, setting, or experience that shows—not just tells—what matters to you.
For example:
“During the summer after 10th grade, I volunteered at my local library’s children’s reading program…”
By painting a clear picture, your personality, values, and motivations naturally come through—and that’s exactly what colleges are looking for.
❌ Mistake #3: Forgetting to Connect to the School
This last mistake happens more often than you might think. A student might write a strong, personal essay, but fail to explain why they’re applying to a specific school.
Admissions officers want to know:
- Why this college?
- How will it support your academic and personal goals?
If that connection is missing, even a well-written essay can lose impact.
✅ How to Strengthen the Connection
Do your research. Mention specific programs, professors, research opportunities, or campus values that align with your interests.
For example:
“The Public Health program at [University Name] stood out to me because of its close partnerships with community organizations—something I deeply care about.”
This shows that you’ve thoughtfully considered how the school fits into your future, making your essay more persuasive and memorable.
✅ Final Thoughts
A college essay is not just a personal story. It’s your chance to make a logical and emotional case for who you are, where you’re going, and why the university you’re applying to is the right place to help you get there.
To recap, here are the three key mistakes to avoid:
- Writing only about your achievements without showing growth or humility
- Using vague or abstract language without offering specific examples
- Failing to explain why you’re a good fit for the school
If you focus on telling your story with sincerity, detail, and purpose, your essay can become one of the most powerful parts of your application.
Remember: essays speak louder than test scores when it comes to showing who you really are. They are your voice in the admissions process—make sure it’s a voice that’s clear, honest, and confident.
Reading personal essay samples from students who were actually accepted to U.S. colleges — especially Ivy League schools — can be incredibly helpful for both students and parents. Fortunately, there are several reliable sources that openly share successful college essays. Below is a curated list of trusted websites and resources where you can find high-quality examples.
Before starting their own essays, students are encouraged to read several of these samples multiple times. Doing so can help spark ideas and give them a clearer sense of how to structure and personalize their own writing.
✅ 1. College Essay Guy
🌐 https://www.collegeessayguy.com
This site offers dozens of real college essays, including those accepted by Ivy League schools. Each sample often includes expert commentary. Essays are organized by themes such as identity, overcoming challenges, and community — making them easy to navigate.
🔗 Recommended link:
👉 https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/college-essay-examples
✅ 2. Johns Hopkins University – Essays That Worked
JHU publishes a new collection of accepted student essays each year.
These samples are concise but powerful, showcasing unique voices and personal stories.
🔗 Recommended link:
👉 https://apply.jhu.edu/application-process/essays-that-worked/
✅ 3. Harvard Crimson / Yale Daily News – Student Archives
Some Ivy League students publish their essays through campus publications.
Harvard Crimson’s “50 Successful Harvard Application Essays” is also available as a book.
🔎 Reference:
50 Successful Harvard Application Essays (available on Amazon)
✅ 4. If you prefer books
📘 50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays – Gen & Kelly Tanabe
📘 Heavenly Essays – Janine Robinson
📘 College Essay Essentials – Ethan Sawyer (College Essay Guy)
💡 Helpful Tip:
Instead of copying phrases or stories, focus on how each essay is structured, what personal message it conveys, and which moments or experiences the student highlights. That’s what makes these essays powerful — and that’s where your inspiration will come from.
If you have questions or need help with essay editing or strategy, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Elite Prep.
👉 www.eliteprep.com/contact-us
We specialize in creating personalized essay strategies that reflect each student’s unique journey.
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
🎥 www.youtube.com/@ElitePrepSuwanee
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