What are the most common mistakes I should avoid when writing my essay?
There are several common mistakes such as not answering the question, picking an inappropriate topic, writing too much, using poor grammar and /or spelling, and repeating information that is evident elsewhere in the application. But a very common and unfortunate mistake is that many applicants write what they think admissions committees want to hear instead of writing what they want admissions committees to know about them. An applicant does not need exotic or exceptional experiences in order to stand out. Actually, it is not what you “tell” that matters, but how you “show” what is distinctively you. Admissions committees want to know that you will be a valuable contributor to the college community and to the classroom experience of other students.
