Most importantly, your college essay needs to convey your personality, particularly those traits that demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of college. Do not misrepresent yourself by inflating your accomplishments or by claiming a longstanding interest in a topic without the history to support it. How you convey your ambitions matters more than whatever experiences you may have had. Make sure that you distinguish yourself by sharing important and specific details, not by using gimmicks or words that you do not normally use. Be honest, but restrained. Do not paint yourself as tritely heroic or desperately overwhelmed by disadvantages. Let the originality of your vision and the clear sound of your voice come through.
Your essay cannot bore the admissions committee by demonstrating your college ambitions with the most generic or expected reasons. Do not lavishly praise the college or cite its reputation as a reason for your application. The admissions office knows the college's strengths. Do not write what you think the college staff wants to read. Never use commonplace reasons, like financial rewards or job opportunity, to explain your interest in higher education or a specific profession. Your college essay should stand out for its confident representation of your educational passion and goals for your future success.
Do not repeat information listed elsewhere in your application. The college essay should not be a narrative version of your resume. It is your opportunity to encapsulate how your experiences have shaped the person now applying for admission. If you refer to a specific event or activity that your application already highlights, make sure that you describe it with details that illustrate your character, such as your problem-solving skills or your determination.
Vary your word choices. Make sure that you do not repeat words more than necessary throughout the essay. Avoid using the same word twice in one sentence.
Do not send your essay without thoroughly spell-checking it and having it proofread by someone with excellent writing skills. Read it aloud to see if there are missing or extra words. Double-check any information that you cite or any names that you use. Any errors in the college essay will reflect poorly upon you.
Keep in mind that other errors can be made in an essay. Not following directions is also a mistake. Do not write a longer or shorter essay than is required. If the college essay requests a specific thematic topic, deliver it. Your individuality should never trump following directions.