When it comes to college applications, your personal essay can be a make-or-break element. It’s your chance to show admissions officers who you are beyond your grades and test scores. But while a great essay can make a strong impression, a poor choice of topic can leave admissions readers cringing—or worse, yawning.
So how do you know what to steer clear of? Let’s take a look at some of the worst college essay topics, why they fail, and what professionals have to say about them. Then, we’ll explore how to pick a topic that truly helps you stand out.
The Worst College Essay Topics
1. The “Sports Victory” Essay
While athletics can teach valuable life lessons, writing about the time you won a big game or overcame an injury is extremely common and rarely original.
“We see so many essays about the ‘big game’ or the ‘tough loss.’ Unless there’s something truly unusual or deeply personal about the experience, it’s hard to stand out,” says Scott Anderson, a senior director at the Common Application.
2. The “Mission Trip Revelation”
Helping others is admirable, but writing about a week abroad where you “realized how lucky you are” often comes off as superficial or self-congratulatory.
In the words of Rick Clark, Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Tech:
“If the central theme of your essay is ‘I learned people in poor countries are still happy,’ you need to dig deeper.”
3. The “Tragedy as a Tool” Essay
Personal loss or hardship can be moving topics—but only if the essay focuses more on growth and resilience than on recounting trauma for sympathy points. Over-focusing on the tragedy itself can feel exploitative or emotionally manipulative.
4. The “I’m So Perfect” Essay
Essays that list accomplishments or paint you as flawless come off as arrogant or out of touch. Admissions officers want to see self-awareness and vulnerability—not a brag sheet.
5. The “TMI” or Shock-Value Essay
While honesty is good, over-sharing details about personal drama, bodily functions, or controversial views can backfire. You don’t want the reader’s main takeaway to be discomfort.
Former Yale admissions officer Hannah Mendlowitz warns:
“There’s a difference between being authentic and being inappropriate. Don’t confuse shock value with originality.”
6. The “Thesaurus Overload” Essay
Trying to sound overly intellectual or using flowery language you wouldn’t normally use in conversation can make your essay feel artificial and hard to connect with.
What Makes a Good Essay Topic?
Great college essays don’t rely on gimmicks or big achievements. Instead, they’re deeply personal, reflective, and specific. Here are some general rules of thumb:
Focus on a Moment, Not a Monument
Instead of trying to summarize your life story, zoom in on a single moment, decision, or realization that reveals something meaningful about who you are.
Be Vulnerable—but Thoughtful
A good essay can show vulnerability, but always reflect on what you learned and how you grew. It’s not just what happened, but why it matters.
Avoid Clichés and Generic Narratives
If your essay could have been written by 1,000 other applicants, it won’t stand out. Look for a story only you can tell.
Use Your Voice
Write like yourself—not a textbook, not a politician, not a robot. Your authentic voice matters more than trying to sound “impressive.”
Show, Don’t Just Tell
Use vivid details and concrete examples. Instead of saying “I’m passionate about science,” describe the night you stayed up building a makeshift volcano in your garage.
Final Thoughts: Be Human, Not a Headline
Remember, admissions officers are people. They read hundreds of essays. The best ones make them stop, smile, or think. The worst ones? They’re forgettable, forced, or worse—cringe-worthy.
By steering clear of cliché and superficial topics, and by digging deep into your own experiences, you’ll be far more likely to craft an essay that truly resonates.
And perhaps the best advice comes from the University of Chicago admissions team:
“Be genuine. Be open. Be curious. And above all, be yourself.”
Bonus Tip:
When you think you’ve chosen a topic, ask yourself: “Would I enjoy reading this if it weren’t about me?”
If the answer is “no,” it’s time to dig deeper.
Want help brainstorming a great topic or feedback on a draft? The team at Essay24 is here to help!