According to a National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) survey, 71% of colleges view the personal statement as a moderately or highly important factor in admissions decisions—so it definitely matters. Essays play an even bigger role in selective colleges with holistic admissions, helping to distinguish candidates with similar credentials. For “borderline” applicants, a strong essay might make all the difference, while a poorly written or offensive one can hurt your chances. Colleges want to see your authentic self, and if you choose to share a challenging experience (which you don’t have to), make sure to highlight your growth and what you learned from it.

Here are 10 things to avoid in your personal statement to help ensure it makes a positive impression:

1. Politics – Avoid sharing political views, as they may unintentionally offend admissions officers who hold different opinions. It’s best to keep the focus on you rather than divisive topics.

   
   

2. Religion- If you're only applying to Jesuit and Catholic institutions, then by all means, you can include information about your faith. However, if you are using the Common App, your personal statement will go to all the colleges on your list, and if you have several non-denominational schools, I’d be careful. As Ethan Sawyer of the College Essay Guy explains in this helpful video, if you really want to talk about your religion frame it to emphasize the skills and values gained.

   
   

3. Sex – This may seem obvious, but avoid sharing personal stories about sexual experiences; it’s not suitable for a college essay.

   
   

4. Gore – While storytelling can involve incidents with blood or injury, avoid dwelling on graphic details. Keep the focus on the story, not the gore.

   
   

5. Foul Language – Admissions officers come from diverse backgrounds, so avoid profanity to maintain a professional tone. If it’s essential to the story, consider quoting it directly.

   
   

6. Humor (If You’re Not Naturally Funny) – Humor can be effective if it’s authentic, but avoid trying out new jokes in your essay, as they may not land as intended.

   
   

7. Bitterness, Anger, and Complaining – It’s fine to share tough experiences, but demonstrate how you’ve grown from them. Avoid making the essay solely about anger or resentment, and steer clear of derogatory terms, which may be unintentionally offensive. You may have valid grievances, but this essay is about looking forward to college as a privilege. Focus on positive aspirations rather than complaints. Also, be sure to avoid derogatory or pejorative descriptions of people. Certainly, racist names are a definite no, but there may be others that seem innocent but could offend, such as: "soccer mom” or “Karen,” “Becky,” “hillbilly,” or “redneck.”

   
   

8. Arrogance and Pretentiousness- While the college process is about celebrating your accomplishments, make sure the tone of your essay is not super arrogant. Choosing to write about challenges you faced in high school because you are pretty is not a great strategy. It will come off looking superficial. Also, be careful of the words you are using. Your personal statement is not the time to dive into the thesaurus. Avoid using words you wouldn’t normally say; this isn’t a research paper, and forced language can come across as unnatural. Also, be very careful about “perceptions of privilege.” For instance, discussing country clubs and luxury items like a new car or a summer home may lead admissions officers to perceive you as out of touch with broader societal issues. This could detract from the narrative of resilience or personal development that colleges often value.

   
   

9. Writing about a family member (or anyone else)- If you have a great relationship with your grandmother, that’s amazing, but Grandma is not applying to college. Feel free to include her in your essay, but make sure to focus on how her influence helped you grow rather than making her the central figure.

   
   

10. Jargon and Esoteric Terms – Admissions officers come from various backgrounds, so explain any technical terms or niche references. For instance, college admissions officer(s) reading your essay may not know what a “riposte” is in fencing, a “quiver” in archery,  a “deke” in hockey, or a "fouetté" in ballet. Also, avoid leaving readers puzzled by references to characters, actions, or places from specific movies without context.

    
    

After you’ve written your essay, read it aloud to check for tone, word choice, and clarity. Aim to showcase your values, curiosity, and kindness. When admissions officers finish reading, they should feel like they’d enjoy meeting you on campus.

As an independent college counselor in Fairfield County, CT, I can help you select the right high school classes that align with your academic goals. I provide personalized support to help students navigate the complexities of the college admissions process. I can guide students in creating strong applications that accurately reflect their abilities and achievements. My expertise includes helping students select appropriate coursework, craft compelling essays, and develop a well-rounded profile that showcases their unique strengths. By offering tailored advice and strategies, I help students stand out in a competitive admissions landscape and make informed decisions about their educational future. Reach out to me to schedule a call today.