When students sit down to write their college essays, most focus on one thing: What should I say? But there’s a second, equally important question that often gets ignored: What should you avoid saying?
Because the truth is, some words are so overused, vague, or empty that they weaken your essay, no matter how strong your story is.
Admissions officers read thousands of essays every cycle. Certain words appear so frequently that they lose all meaning. When they see them, they don’t think “impressive” they think predictable.
Here are 20 words (and phrases) to avoid, and what you should do instead.
This is probably the most overused word in admissions essays.
The problem: Saying you’re “passionate” doesn’t prove anything.
What to do instead: Show it through action.
Instead of:
“I am passionate about biology.”
Try:
“I spent six months researching local water quality and presented my findings to…”
The problem: It’s a label, not evidence.
What to do instead: Describe what you actually did.
Instead of:
“I demonstrated leadership.”
Try:
“I organized a team of 12 students and launched…”
The problem: It’s vague and often exaggerated.
What to do instead: Be specific about outcomes.
The problem: Sounds impressive, means very little.
What to do instead: Show the change—don’t name it.
The problem: Everyone claims it. Few prove it.
What to do instead: Explain what was different about your approach.
The problem: If you have to say it, it probably doesn’t feel that way.
What to do instead: Let your story speak for itself.
The problem: Overused and often generic.
What to do instead: Share specific experiences that shaped your perspective.
The problem: Broad and often unclear.
What to do instead: Define what “community” means in your context.
The problem: Sounds cliché unless backed by real experience.
What to do instead: Describe actual cross-cultural interactions.
The problem: Admissions officers hear this constantly.
What to do instead: Be specific about fit, not fantasy.
The problem: Absolute statements rarely feel authentic.
What to do instead: Use nuanced, honest language.
The problem: Overused opening line.
What to do instead: Start with a moment, not a timeline.
The problem: Too vague.
What to do instead: Explain what you learned and how it changed you.
The problem: A claim without proof.
What to do instead: Show effort through your experiences.
Same issue as “hardworking.”
Show, don’t label.
The problem: Generic trait.
What to do instead: Tell a story where determination is obvious.
The problem: Success means different things to different people.
What to do instead: Define it through your actions.
The problem: Everything is “challenging.”
What to do instead: Explain why it was difficult.
The problem: Often exaggerated.
What to do instead: Let the reader decide its significance.
The problem: This isn’t a school essay.
What to do instead: End with reflection, not a summary.
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