Ever feel like you’re staring at a blank screen, trying to capture your whole life in 650 words? Yeah, me too! As I was working on my Common App essay, I made a bunch of mistakes that I wish someone had warned me about. Here’s what I learned along the way.
1. Trying to Sound Too Smart: Seriously, being overly formal doesn’t showcase who you are. I spent hours looking up fancy words and ended up with an essay that sounded nothing like me. Just be yourself!
2. Not Having a Clear Theme: My first draft was a jumble of life events that felt disjointed. I later realized I needed to find a central theme to tie everything together. Focus on one or two key experiences rather than cramming everything in.
3. Ignoring the Prompt: It’s easy to get sidetracked. I wrote about something I thought was important, but it didn’t answer the prompt directly. Make sure every paragraph relates back to the question asked.
4. Overthinking the Conclusion: My initial closing was super complicated. I switched to something simple and reflective, which felt way more genuine. Don’t stress about making it profound—just end on a strong note.
5. Failing to Edit and Get Feedback: I thought my first draft was golden. Lol, it wasn't! I learned the importance of getting feedback from friends, teachers, and even my parents. It's amazing how many typos or unclear points you can miss!
Remember, writing your Common App essay is a process! Don’t be afraid to rewrite and revise multiple times. You’ve got this!