What Not to Write About in a College Essay

Last Updated on October 28, 2026 by Successful Black Parenting Staff

When it comes to college essays, what you choose not to say can be just as important as what you do. Your personal statement is your opportunity to shine, demonstrate to the admissions officers who you are beyond just numbers and grades, and make an unforgettable impression. Students, unfortunately, all too often write about lackluster topics that are either too common or the opposite of what will help their application, which leaves many admissions officers unimpressed. Before hitting the button that says “submit,” look to maximize your admission chances by thinking about what your essay covers. In this post, we’ll guide you through the most common college essay topics to avoid and what to write instead.

Why Your College Essay Topic Matters So Much

Your college essay isn’t some more busy work that needs to be ticked off the list; this is one of the few opportunities where your voice and self take the focus, and it can go wherever your personality takes it. The essay informs admissions officers about the student’s lived experiences, values, and perception of reality. There is an incredible number of stories etched in someone’s life; the right topic can strengthen your application, while a topic chosen without careful thought can weaken an otherwise strong essay.

The Role of the Essay in Admissions

Every academic institution captures data concerning its applicants’ intellectual performance, which is measured using GPAs and standardized test scores, but these scores alone are insufficient. Your application essay captures the ineffable human touch and emotion behind an application—your thoughts, identity, and character. Through storytelling and reflection, you may express personal development as well as intangible qualities like persistence, values, and what matters most to you. An essay demonstrates that while you may be an eager student, you will also be an integral contributing member of the school, making a meaningful difference to your campus community.

The Fine Line Between Unique and Risky

Let’s agree that being original is a positive aspect; after all, that is the goal. Unexplored paths can be rewarding, but for some people, being different becomes synonymous with “controversial” or “shocking,” which makes life difficult. Controversial topics will gain headline attention for the wrong reasons. Admissions officers do not like to be surprised, they prefer being less entertained but more thoughtful of self-perception and the wisdom that comes through strong reflection for the soul of an applicant. A good topic is not about narrating a ludicrous tale, it is about telling how a person becomes who they are today through those tales.

Common College Essay Topics That Usually Miss the Mark

As you begin thinking about what to write for your college essay, it is perfectly acceptable to focus on the most important milestones, including what experiences shaped you, your struggles, your accomplishments, and everything else that “built character.” The issue is that college admissions officers have read variation after variation of the same essays structured on the same concepts or ideas tried before in good faith. One of the best College Essay Advice you can ever get is that those ideas are not off-limits, but without topical depth or creativity, many of these themes will fall flat. This is a preemptive alert on which themes do not hit the intended goals and how you can successfully pivot those themes. 

The ‘Tragedy as a Triumph’ Cliche

For some, writing a story centered around overcoming one of life’s major challenges can be incredibly empowering. Unfortunately, it is one of the most basic plot lines in storytelling. The “what’s the issue” part? Many of these stories stick to the event and don’t spend much time thinking about what happened later on in terms of feelings or shifting identity. So much feels bland without nuances like reflection, and a lot of the time becomes “I went through something hard and here’s what I achieved,” and that’s problematic.

What Should You Do Instead?

If you are intent on writing about a difficult experience, try changing your focus. Rather than the difficulty itself, write about how it transformed your attitude, social interactions, or even your goals. The insight you gained is far more significant than the actual problem.

The Sports Victory or Defeat

Essays concerning the big game, whether it was a triumphant victory or soul-crushing defeat, tend to blend together in the eyes of the readers. They usually focus on the result (winning/losing) and teamwork instead of something more personal and unique about you.

A Different Approach

Sometimes, the less obvious details can speak volumes. Perhaps you picked up resilience while seated on the bench or learned about leadership when off the field. These nuances can bring a fresh, introspective perspective to what sports have taught you.

The Volunteer Trip That ‘Changed Your Life’

Admissions officers have read countless essays where students go on trips abroad and have an ‘awakening.’ Although well-meaning, these essays tend to miss the mark when the focus is the writer’s ‘awakening’ and not the people and community being served.

What Works Better

Rather than reflect on your experience as a life-shifting moment, think about what lessons you acquired concerning cultural humility, self-reflection, communication, or even your own assumptions. Make it less about how you impacted the world and focus on how the world impacted you.

Political Rants and Hot Takes

It is healthy to have a passion. To preach? Not so much. There are numerous examples of essays becoming unappealing or even toxic due to extreme positions taken without any subtlety, nuance, or softness. Remember, admissions readers do not care about your political position, but how you articulate your point reveals your level of maturity and communication skills.

When and How It Can Work

If you are deeply passionate about activism or policy, presenting an opposing argument can be powerful, but ensure you are not attacking other points of view. Focus on what drew you to the issue, how you engaged constructively, and how you hope to make a positive impact.

The “I Have Nothing to Say” Essay

Although some students might think a dose of self-deprecating or humble humor is relatable, this sends a signal of lacking insight. Even if nothing in your life feels dramatic or award-worthy, everyone has something meaningful to share.

Rephrased Content

A grandmother’s talk, an art class’s moment of silence, or the arrangement of the bookshelf may fit into what can be called routines. We always get to know ourselves bit by bit, step by step, only if we keep our hearts and honesty in earnest.

Topics That Can Work, But Only If You Handle Them Well

As with most considerations, there is no ‘perfect’ college essay topic. One certain thing, however, is that every story is unique. While some of the most heart-gripping essays stem from simple phenomena, others undergo more elaborate and controversial topics. The difference is made by the approach taken towards the topic.

Humor and Sarcasm

A fresh essay is always one that stands out owing to the humor used. A prank or joke can have a lasting impression on readers for being creative. It is no secret that humor shows confidence if and only if it is not forced. That being said, humor is still a gray area. Something that sounds funny in a casual conversation can feel out of place on paper. Sarcasm in particular needs facial tone and body language to be understood, which makes it even more sensitive in writing.

If this is the route you wish to take, it helps to share your draft with a few trusted readers for honest feedback. Did they understand and appreciate the funniest parts? These readers could even tell if the humor overshadowed the real message. If the answer is yes, and it does not harm your points, humor can work.

Controversial or Sensitive Subjects

Instead of focusing on the controversy itself, center your essay around personal growth. Regardless of your approach, it is critical to show empathy and emotional reflection when using a sensitive topic as an essay backbone. Addressing emotionally stimulating topics is fascinating, and at times, exceptionally moving. However, they require deep balancing. You are not here to shock, argue, or convince; rather, tell your story.

With mature handling of sensitive topics, they can reflect strength, resilience, and insightful understanding of oneself. Every person is shaped differently, so shaping a new perspective around what someone learns, personally, can give great results. When an essay shows real insight, admissions teams will value the essay’s reflection.

Personal Achievements

With sufficient accomplishment, someone begins to crave recognition and brag about their achievement. But really, high school students and college applicants could find gold in crafting an “achievements” essay. There’s plenty of gold hidden.

The beauty behind such pieces stems from something elusive. Instead of offering a list of self-congratulatory texts, consider how honest reflection on the effort, setbacks, and growth behind the success can mean confronting the hard parts of one’s life. The strongest achievement essays explain what the work taught you, who helped you along the way, and how the experience changed the way you see yourself.

How to Choose a Great College Essay Topic Instead

We’ve already established things to avoid when writing your college essay, so let us now focus on how to approach it more constructively. Your college essay is a rare opportunity in your application to directly address the admissions team in your own voice. This is where you can be candid and introspective, therefore, you can worry less about the restrictions of the essay prompt and focus on what drives and motivates you instead.

Focus on a Defining Moment

Some essays may not stand out for unprecedented achievements, but rather for the more relatable milestones that impact someone’s perspective about life or themselves. These moments may include realizing one’s mistakes, showing up for oneself or someone else, or an otherwise arbitrary interaction with another individual that sticks with them for a prolonged period.

Colleges want to see growth. If a college or university sees that you comprehend and learn so much from one single experience, they would be impressed. Depth of thought and growth are both essential, and your essay should reflect experiences you have actually lived.

Make It Personal, Not Performative

Trying too hard to ‘sell’ themselves to admissions is one of the most common mistakes students tend to make, and that is why so many college essays are cliche. What’s true is that a natural, unpolished voice often reads as more honest. There is no right or wrong formula or topic to write and dwell upon. Rather, what is essential to have is sincerity.

Tell the story you would share with a friend over coffee instead of trying to sound impressive. If they happen to be unforgettable for you, cozying up with your sister, creating playlists, cooking off YouTube, or even getting immersed in graphic novels, that’s perfectly fine. These are the types of information that no transcript can reveal.

Quick Checklist: College Essay Topics to Avoid and What to Try Instead

Before your teen settles on a topic, run it through this quick check. If the answer to most of these is yes, the topic probably needs a new angle.

• Could hundreds of other applicants write almost the same essay?
• Does the story focus more on what happened than on what your teen learned or how they changed?
• Does it make someone else, such as a coach, a parent, or the people on a service trip, the real main character?
• Is it mostly a summary of awards, test scores, or activities already listed elsewhere in the application?
• Would it make a reader uncomfortable for the wrong reasons, such as shock value, mean-spirited humor, or an angry rant?

It also helps to read the current prompts together. The Common App posts its official essay prompts each year, and every one of them leaves room for a small, specific, personal story.

How Parents Can Help Without Taking Over

Parents of Black children often want to protect them from every possible misstep, and that care is a gift. When it comes to the college essay, though, the most helpful thing you can do is ask good questions and then step back. Admissions readers can usually tell when an adult’s voice has replaced a teenager’s.

• Ask open questions like “When did you feel most like yourself this year?” or “What is something you changed your mind about?”
• Help your teen brainstorm small, everyday moments, not just big wins or hard times.
• Offer to read a draft for clarity, but let your teen make the final decisions about words and tone.
• Remind your teen that sharing culture, family traditions, or identity is welcome when it is their story to tell and they choose how much to share.

For a bigger picture of the whole process, see our guide on how to help your child navigate the college admissions process. And because applications and money go hand in hand, our explainer on what parents need to know about the 2027-28 FAFSA is worth reading at the same time.

Final Thoughts: Your Topic Isn’t Everything, But It’s a Start

No need to stress about picking the most eye-catching story the world has to offer. Rather, pick a story that magnifies your individuality and perspective. The experience serves as a background – you are the tale.

Pay attention to how the experience changed you rather than what events took place. Make sure that you are willing to iterate. In writing, the best ideas can come from trusted reflection, so discuss your ideas with people whose judgment you respect. Often, the right approach only becomes apparent after multiple drafts. Write freely, be authentic, and trust that your words will guide you.