Myth #1: The essay should summarize the applicant's resume

One of the most persistent misconceptions about college application essays is that they should simply regurgitate the applicant's resume or reiterate information that's already apparent from transcripts and lists of activities. In truth, admissions officers are hoping the essay will reveal something new and illuminating about the applicant that they wouldn't glean from other parts of the application.

Myth #2: Using big words and sounding intellectual is the key to impressing admissions officers

Plenty of students assume that to write a winning college essay, they need to pack it with SAT vocabulary words and highly academic-sounding language. But in reality, admissions officers can usually tell when a student is overusing a thesaurus or forcing an unnatural writing style. Essays that rely on overly complicated language tend to be more distracting than impressive. A student's authentic voice is more likely to leave a mark than an artificially elevated one.

Myth #3: You need a completely unique, never-before-seen essay topic to stand out

Many applicants get stressed about finding the single most original or impressive topic for their essays. But the truth is, admissions officers read countless essays on common themes like winning a big game, service trips, or overcoming an obstacle. More than the specific topic, what makes an essay stand out is how that topic is used to share something meaningful about the student's identity or values. An everyday experience can spark a powerful essay if it highlights who the student is as a person.

Myth #4: The essay should be about the applicant's most impressive accomplishment

Related to the previous point, students frequently assume their college essay needs to showcase the most remarkable or ambitious thing they've ever done. In actuality, admissions officers simply want to get to know applicants as multi-dimensional people. Meaningful experiences and insights can stem from all sorts of places, not just major academic or extracurricular achievements. Smaller, everyday moments can actually lead to the most authentic and relatable essays.

Myth #5: Admissions officers are just looking for reasons to reject applicants

As they toil away on their essays, it's understandable that students might picture an intimidating admissions officer armed with a red pen, ready to pounce on any error or weak spot to eliminate them from the applicant pool. Fortunately, this is far from accurate. Admissions officers are truly looking for reasons to admit, not reject students. They aim to get to know applicants as whole people and assemble a diverse, vibrant incoming class. If an applicant uses the essay to genuinely share who they are and what drives them, that's what will stand out to admissions officers the most.



At the end of the day, the college essay is a chance for admissions officers to get to know applicants beyond their numbers and accolades. The students who make an impact are the ones who use the essay to authentically share something meaningful about their identity, background and experiences. As they write their essays, students shouldn't get too caught up in hunting for the most unique or impressive-sounding topic, or in using grandiose language. If they write in their own natural voice and help admissions officers understand what makes them tick, that's the foundation of a powerful, effective personal statement.