If you’re like me and want to ace your Common App essay, you'll want to avoid some classic mistakes that can really hold you back. I learned the hard way that saying too much about what you think colleges want to hear can make your personal statement sound generic and uninspired.
Another common pitfall is ignoring the prompts. I totally went off on a tangent that made zero sense for the question I chose. Seriously, read the prompt more than once!
Finally, don't wait until the last minute. I almost submitted a draft that still had typos and awkward phrasing. Take your time, revise, and get feedback!
Hope this helps! Happy writing!