Death, divorce and disease are common topics that may not evoke the intended sympathy from admissions readers. While the impact of a tragedy on someone's life should never be discounted, it may not be the best choice for a college essay simply because it will blend in with many simiar essays. If a student feels this topic is best, the essay should describe the event's impact on her life rather than focusing on the event itself.
People tend to have differing opinions on controversial social topics, including sexuality and abortion. College applicants have no prior knowledge of the admissions board's general views, so sensitive subjects are best left alone. Without intending to, a person may write an offensive essay that identifies him as insensitive. Instead, John Wiley & Sons recommends that students select neutral topics for college essays.
Topics concerning personal, family or youth group vacations are best avoided for the college essay. This includes time spent volunteering or traveling abroad, as admissions boards read many essays with similar themes. These experiences are better explained in a different portion of the application rather than in the essay.
One type of college essay is sometimes referred to as the "Miss America essay," in which the applicant proposes an overwhelming desire to end a serious social problem. Worldwide problems such as hunger and homelessness cannot be solved with simple solutions. Moreover, simply reciting the plight of people who are suffering under adverse conditions does not reveal an applicant's character. Instead of writing about an idealistic plan to end poverty, applicants would do better to discuss their personal volunteer efforts to assist those in need.