College Essays: What NOT to Do
DanielCollege Essays: What NOT to Do
Every year, admissions officers read thousands of essays — and most make the same avoidable mistakes before a single word is written. Former Brown admissions officer Daniel reveals the pitfalls that quietly sink strong applications, and what actually makes an essay sound like a real person instead of a resume. Whether your student hasn't started or already has a draft, this session shows you exactly what to fix.
Speaker Info
Daniel
Daniel M. brings five years of experience in undergraduate admissions to Empowerly. Most recently, he served as a Senior Admissions Officer at Brown University. Before his time at Brown, Daniel was an Assistant Director of Admissions at Connecticut College, where he earned his B.A. in Economics. Over the past five years, Daniel has reviewed over 5,000 college applications, interviewed hundreds of prospective students, and played a key role in more than 50 admission committees. He has evaluated applicants from across the country, representing a variety of school systems and academic interests, including Computer Science, Engineering, the Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Visual Arts.
Additionally, Daniel has made decisions on students applying to Brown’s BS/MD program (PLME), recruited athletes, and those pursuing the Brown/RISD dual degree program. Throughout his time in admissions, Daniel has had one-on-one conversations with prospective students about building competitive application profiles. He’s also volunteered as a college counselor, where he’s reviewed essays, helped students build college lists, and educated students on standardized testing. What excites him the most about college counseling is the chance to build genuine relationships with students and serve as a supportive guide during this pivotal time in their lives.
About this Webinar
Every year, admissions officers read thousands of essays and most make the same avoidable mistakes before a single word is written. Join Daniel, a former Brown University admissions officer, for College Essays: What NOT to Do, a candid look inside the essay pitfalls that quietly sink strong applications. You'll learn why certain "safe" topics fall flat, how to spot a cliché before it's too late, and what actually makes an essay sound like a real person instead of a resume. Whether your student hasn't started or already has a draft they're unsure about, this session will show you exactly what to fix and what to avoid. Come with questions—Daniel's read the essays that worked, and the ones that didn't.
In this webinar, you'll learn:
- The Topics That Backfire: Some essay topics feel meaningful to write but read as generic to admissions officers — you'll learn which ones to avoid and why.
- The Authenticity Test: The best essays sound like one specific person, not an impressive list of accomplishments. Daniel breaks down how readers tell the difference in seconds.
- The Edit That Matters Most: Most students over-polish the wrong things. Learn what admissions officers actually notice and what they scroll right past.