Résumé in Disguise

Listing achievements like a transcript in paragraph form

Admissions officers already have your activities list; your essay should reveal who you are, not just what you’ve done

Example: Instead of saying, “I was captain of the soccer team for three years,” describe how leading the team taught you about teamwork and resilience.

Cliché Narratives

Writing about sports victories or community service trips without depth

These essays often follow predictable structures without personal reflection

Example: Instead of just describing a volunteer trip, explore how it changed your perspective on social justice and what actions you took afterward.

Telling Instead of Showing

Stating traits like “I’m a problem-solver” without illustrating them through experiences

Admissions officers want to see growth through vivid storytelling, not general statements

Example: Instead of saying you’re determined, describe a time when you faced a challenge and overcame it, like persevering through a difficult project.

Impressing Over Connecting

Using overly sophisticated vocabulary or focusing on what you think admissions officers want to hear

This often results in an essay that feels inauthentic or distant rather than engaging and personal

Example: Avoid using words like “perspicacious” unless they naturally fit your voice; instead, focus on clear, concise language that reflects your authenticity.