65 Clichés to Avoid Using in Your Common App Essay

Admissions officers read a lot of admissions essays, so there are quite a few clichés to avoid using whenever possible. 

For many students, a primary source of stress throughout the college application process is the persistent sense that their applications will not “stand out” to admissions officers. Frequently, this stress manifests in the form of essay anxiety, here taken to mean the fear associated with the feeling that one’s essay is not original, creative, impactful, or eye-catching. 

There is some basis to these fears; in reality, admissions officers read thousands of applications and essays in a very limited amount of time, and this necessitates some degree of “skimming.” In this sense, if the student’s essay doesn’t contain something immediately compelling, the application may be overlooked.

However, while this fear may have some degree of logical grounding, it is not a productive, nor necessary, fear to have. In truth, it is possible to intentionally craft an essay that stands out; one need not leave the success of an essay up to luck or some romanticized notion of divine inspiration. 

There are concrete tips to follow that can substantially improve the quality of an essay. One such piece of advice? Avoid clichés.

These phrases attempt to showcase determination but are so common they fail to leave an impact. Admissions officers are looking for authenticity, not recycled motivational jargon.

• “…against all odds…”
• “…blood, sweat, and tears…”
• “…gave it my all…”
• “…put my best foot forward…”
• “…bend over backwards…”
• “…take one for the team…”
• “…back to square one…”
• “…it all came down to…”

Dramatic phrases often exaggerate feelings, making the narrative feel less believable. Instead of connecting with the reader, these clichés can come across as theatrical.

• “…scared to death…”
• “…cried my eyes out…”
• “…worst nightmare…”
• “…moment of truth…”
• “…sigh of relief…”
• “…down to earth…”
• “…like there was no tomorrow…”

These clichéd reflections fail to provide unique insights into personal growth. They sound vague and don’t convey a strong sense of individuality.

• “…never look back…”
• “…never say never…”
• “…make the best of it…”
• “…stop and smell the roses…”
• “…seize the day…”
• “…you only live once…”
• “…in this day and age…”
• “…not the end of the world…”

While highlighting success is important, these overused phrases fail to stand out. They lack the specificity needed to make a lasting impression.

• “…pillar of the community…”
• “…light at the end of the tunnel…”
• “…even the playing field…”
• “…force to be reckoned with…”
• “…one in a million…”
• “…benefit of the doubt…”
• “…made my day…”

Reflecting on personal growth is valuable, but these phrases often feel generic and uninspired. They don’t provide the depth necessary to showcase true self-awareness.

• “…to be honest…”
• “…let’s face it…”
• “…not to mention…”
• “…wake-up call…”
• “…on the tip of my tongue…”
• “…to the best of my knowledge…”
• “…in my element…”
• “…wakeup call…”

Metaphors can be powerful, but these ones are so familiar they’ve lost their impact. They make essays feel formulaic rather than creative.

• “…think outside the box…”
• “…silver lining…”
• “…judge a book by its cover…”
• “…eye for an eye…”
• “…cross that bridge when we come to it…”
• “…calm before the storm…”
• “…time and time again…”

Expressions about connection and unity can feel hollow when they rely on tired language. These clichés fail to convey the depth of real relationships.

• “…see eye to eye…”
• “…go with the flow…”
• “…follow my heart…”
• “…keep my head/chin up…”
• “…every fiber of my being…”

Common narrative clichés weaken storytelling by making it predictable. They prevent essays from standing out in a competitive admissions process.

• “…little did I know…”
• “…time of my life…”
• “…at the end of the day…”
• “…last but not least…”
• “…too good to be true…”
• “…the time of my life…”

Generic phrases like these often fill space without adding substance. Essays with these clichés risk sounding impersonal and forgettable.

• “…go the extra mile…”
• “…beg to differ…”
• “…could have heard a pin drop…”
• “…for all intents and purposes…”
• “…to each her own…”
• “…easier said than done…”
• “…get to the bottom of…”
• “…goes without saying…”
• “…forgive and forget…”

Video: Writing an Authentic College Essay: Avoiding Cliches and Standing Out | What Did I Say? Episode 23

Avoiding clichés in your Common App essay is essential to stand out in a competitive admissions process. Admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, and overused phrases or generic topics fail to capture their attention. 

Clichés often dilute your individuality, making it harder to showcase your unique experiences and perspective. By steering clear of these common traps, you can craft a more compelling and memorable narrative that highlights your authentic voice.

Crafting a unique essay begins with recognizing overused ideas and replacing them with personal, authentic storytelling. Here's how to spot clichés and refine your writing, with clear examples to guide you.

Clichés often center on predictable narratives, such as sports wins, mission trips, or common struggles. These stories can feel generic because they’re so common among applicants.

How to Spot Them:

• Look for phrases or topics that lack specific details or sound like they could describe anyone.
• Ask yourself: “Could this story apply to many other applicants?” If yes, it likely lacks originality.

Example of a Cliché:
"Winning the championship taught me that hard work pays off."
This statement is vague and doesn’t provide insights into the writer’s unique personality or journey.

Cliché-Free Rewrite:
"During practice, I realized my true strength lay in encouraging teammates who felt disheartened, rather than in my athletic performance."
This rewrite emphasizes the writer's unique role and offers a glimpse into their character, making the story more memorable.

Video: Tips From College Admissions Office: Avoid Cliches, Write About Yourself!

Essays often end with conclusions that feel formulaic, such as “I learned to never give up” or “Appreciate what you have.” While the lessons may be true, they fail to offer a deeper reflection of personal growth.

How to Improve:

• Focus on insights that demonstrate self-awareness or provide a fresh perspective.
• Ask yourself: “Does this lesson reveal something truly personal or unique about me?”

Example of a Cliché:
"My volunteer trip to a developing country opened my eyes to how privileged I am."
This sentiment is commonly expressed and can feel superficial if not expanded upon thoughtfully.

Cliché-Free Rewrite:
"While volunteering in a rural school, I saw how education thrives not through abundant resources but through sparking curiosity, even in challenging circumstances."
This rewrite avoids generalizations and highlights a specific observation that reveals the writer’s reflective and nuanced perspective.

Generalized stories often lack the personal touch needed to engage readers. Specific details not only make your story more vivid but also help admissions officers connect with your experiences.

How to Enhance Details:

• Replace broad statements with vivid, sensory descriptions.
• Share specific actions or moments that illustrate your journey.

Example of a Cliché:
"I worked hard to improve my grades and became a better student."
This is too general and doesn’t show the effort or journey behind the achievement.

Cliché-Free Rewrite:
"Failing my first chemistry test pushed me to stay after school for extra help, make flashcards, and teach classmates—actions that deepened my understanding."
This version offers concrete examples of effort, making the story more relatable and impactful.

Even the best writers may overlook clichés in their own work. Feedback from others can help identify overused phrases or ideas and ensure the essay reflects your authentic voice.

How to Seek Feedback:

• Share your essay with someone who knows you well, like a teacher, mentor, or friend.
• Ask specific questions: Does this sound like something you’ve read before? Does my essay reflect my unique perspective and experiences?

Pro Tip: Reflect on small, meaningful moments that showcase your character, rather than emphasizing major accomplishments. These personal details often leave a stronger impression.

A meaningful story isn’t just about what happened but why it matters to you. Consider how the story reflects your values, personality, or aspirations.

How to Reflect:

• Ask yourself: “Why is this story important to me?”
• Think about how it connects to your future goals or highlights traits not evident in other parts of your application.

Example Question:
"What does this story say about me that isn’t already on my transcript or resume?"
This reflection ensures your essay complements the rest of your application and adds depth to your profile.

Taking a break from your essay allows you to revisit it with a fresh perspective. This helps you spot lingering clichés or areas where your writing can be stronger.

How to Revise Effectively:

• Set your essay aside for a few days before reviewing it again.
• Highlight any phrases that feel generic or overused and consider how to make them more specific.
• Look for opportunities to add depth or clarity to your storytelling.

Pro Tip: Fresh eyes often catch phrases that feel overused or generic. If possible, ask for a second round of feedback after revising.

A truly authentic essay is your opportunity to stand out in a crowded pool of applicants. Admissions officers seek essays that provide a genuine glimpse into your personality, values, and experiences. 

When you write from a personal perspective, you create a narrative that can’t be replicated, leaving a lasting impression. Unique essays demonstrate self-awareness and originality, qualities that colleges value highly in prospective students.

Relying on AI-generated content might seem convenient, but it often produces generic and impersonal writing that fails to capture your individuality. Admissions officers are skilled at identifying formulaic or overly polished essays, which can detract from your application. 

Instead, focus on sharing vivid, personal stories and specific moments that showcase your character and growth. Authenticity is the key to making your essay memorable and maximizing your chances of success.

Video: How to Avoid Cliches

Avoiding clichés in your Common App essay is about more than just standing out—it’s about authentically representing your individuality. Admissions officers value essays that provide fresh insights and unique perspectives, qualities often lost in overused phrases and predictable narratives. 

By identifying and replacing clichés with specific, personal stories, students can craft essays that genuinely reflect their character and aspirations. This intentional approach not only strengthens your application but also ensures your voice resonates in a meaningful and memorable way.

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