The Common App Essay: Don’t Worry, Be Happy (But Don’t Be Too Happy)
You’re staring at a blank screen, the cursor blinking like a judge’s gavel, ready to sentence you to a life of boring college essays. You’ve been told to “show, don’t tell,” to “be authentic,” to “write like yourself.” But all those “don’ts” are swirling in your head like a hurricane of grammar rules and college application anxiety.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Every year, countless high school seniors face the daunting task of crafting their Common App essays. It’s like a literary boot camp, where you have to prove you can write, think, and (most importantly) impress the admissions committee. But before you start panicking and writing about the time you single-handedly saved a puppy from a burning building (spoiler alert: that’s not original), let’s break down the “do nots” of the Common App essay.
Don’t Be a Contraction Convict:
Alright, let’s get this out of the way: the “don’t” about contractions. You’re not writing a legal brief or a scientific paper. You’re writing about yourself, your experiences, your passions. And let’s face it, “don’t” sounds a lot more natural than “do not.” So, unless you’re writing a formal essay for a philosophy class, go ahead and use those contractions. It’s okay, we won’t tell.
Don’t Start with a Buzzkill:
You know those essays that start with a dictionary definition of a word? Yeah, those are about as exciting as watching paint dry. Instead of defining “determination,” tell a story about the time you ran a marathon (or maybe just a 5K) and felt like giving up, but didn’t. Show, don’t tell, remember?
Don’t Be Too Controversial:
Remember that time you wrote a passionate essay about how the government should ban all sugary drinks? Yeah, maybe save that one for your political science class. When it comes to the Common App essay, stick to topics that are relatable and positive. You want to show the admissions committee that you’re a well-rounded, thoughtful individual, not a radical activist.
Don’t Let Your Parents Write Your Essay:
We get it, your parents want the best for you. But when it comes to the Common App essay, the admissions committee wants to hear your voice, not your mom’s (or dad’s, or grandma’s, or aunt’s…). It’s okay to get feedback from trusted adults, but make sure the final product is genuinely yours.
Don’t Waste Your Words on Grades and Test Scores:
The admissions committee already has your transcript and test scores. They’re not interested in a rehash of your academic achievements. Use your essay to explore your passions, your experiences, and your personality. That’s what makes you stand out.
Don’t Be a Savior in a Story Not Your Own:
This might be the most common mistake: writing about someone else’s experience. You know, the “savior essay” where you talk about how you helped your disabled friend achieve their dreams. While your intentions might be good, it’s important to focus on your own story. Let your friend tell their own story.
Don’t Forget to Answer the Prompt:
It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many students forget to answer the actual essay prompt. Take your time, read the instructions carefully, and make sure your essay directly addresses the question asked.
Don’t Be Afraid to Be Yourself:
The Common App essay is your chance to showcase your personality. It’s okay to be funny, quirky, or even a little bit weird. Just be authentic and let your true self shine through.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help:
If you’re struggling to write your essay, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your teachers, counselors, or friends. And remember, there are tons of resources available online to help you brainstorm ideas and improve your writing.
Don’t Forget to Proofread:
Before you submit your essay, make sure you proofread it carefully. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and any awkward phrasing. A well-written, error-free essay makes a great first impression.
Don’t Give Up:
Writing the Common App essay can be a challenging process, but it’s also a rewarding one. Remember to be patient, persistent, and most importantly, yourself. You’ve got this!
Need More Help?
If you’re still struggling with your Common App essay or have any other questions about the application process, reach out to our team at JobLoving! We’re here to help you navigate the college application journey and make sure you’re equipped with the tools and resources you need to succeed.
Good luck with your essays!