9 College Essay Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them!)

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  • čas pƙidĂĄn 27. 07. 2024
  • AVOID THESE 9 COLLEGE ESSAY MISTAKES! Here are some of the most common college essay mistakes I see students make when applying to college. Lucky for you, there are ways to avoid these college essay mistakes so that you can submit a college application and essays that you're proud of.
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Komentáƙe • 183

  • @Collegeessayguy
    @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 5 lety +51

    Have your own piece of college essay wisdom? Leave a comment below and let me know!

    • @Amanda.Cooper
      @Amanda.Cooper Pƙed 4 lety +2

      Do you have videos for transfer students? I'm at a community college and will transfer next fall

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 4 lety +1

      No video (yet!) but I have a full guide for transfer applicants here: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/college-transfer-essay-examples

    • @nooramina17
      @nooramina17 Pƙed 3 lety +1

      Hello!
      Can u explain more on the focusing lens, and what exactly do you mean by a thematic thread? Should I use an essence object from the essence objects exercise, would that work as a focus lens?

  • @3frem410
    @3frem410 Pƙed 3 lety +494

    "get most of it done in the summer" - me watching this in late august

  • @jazminemoore1450
    @jazminemoore1450 Pƙed 3 lety +204

    POV: me watching this with 5 essays due in 4 days

  • @heathergoncalves7852
    @heathergoncalves7852 Pƙed 4 lety +108

    7:41
    well here i am the day before i have to turn in all my applications

    • @DraiVlogs
      @DraiVlogs Pƙed 4 lety +4

      heather goncalves mine deadline is Sunday 😬

    • @heathergoncalves7852
      @heathergoncalves7852 Pƙed 4 lety +4

      Dravin Allen Vlogs stay strong soldier đŸ˜”âœŠđŸŒ

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 4 lety +8

      Hope it blew over well! Thanks for watching. :)

  • @user-ju8jv5jo2p
    @user-ju8jv5jo2p Pƙed 3 lety +75

    Man, these tips were fantastic. My only regret? Not being able to avoid the last mistake. Watching this two weeks before starting any of the essays due in two weeks for regular decision.

  • @kelleynkim
    @kelleynkim Pƙed 4 lety +85

    I think I'm just stuck.... I have a pretty solid idea, but I can't seem to put it into words. My rough draft is also very disorganized and my thoughts are just scattered everywhere...

    • @andreacastro4405
      @andreacastro4405 Pƙed 4 lety +3

      SAME

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 3 lety +2

      You got this!

    • @ithoughtuwereamerican8707
      @ithoughtuwereamerican8707 Pƙed 2 lety +8

      this is late but its for anyone else reading this and feeling the same: we can do it, i promise. we're enough and we can do it. my current method is that train of thought rough draft, and then pulling themes and sections out of it. prioritize one theme and a path through it to form a bit of an outline. then reference that and your first draft to write up an official lil rough draft

  • @marktheshark5733
    @marktheshark5733 Pƙed 4 lety +118

    Dang I’m a senior and I’m just starting now

  • @nanditaadhikari6866
    @nanditaadhikari6866 Pƙed 3 lety +45

    Watching this in September check!

  • @meganpetronsky3750
    @meganpetronsky3750 Pƙed 5 lety +17

    Always great tips! Thank you. It will be nice for my students to hear this from someone else and not me all of the time.

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 5 lety

      Thanks, Megan! It doesn't hurt to hear good advice from a few different people.

  • @EmEmEmuhlee
    @EmEmEmuhlee Pƙed 4 lety +12

    thank you so much! the splitting into three really helped.

  • @virginiablackwell8541
    @virginiablackwell8541 Pƙed 5 lety +19

    Wonderful video Ethan! Keep up the good work! We love you and the kids do too! You are touching kids lives all over the country with your willingness to share your expertise with them and those of us who all are in this work together! THANK YOU!!!

  • @tommyhurst8741
    @tommyhurst8741 Pƙed 4 lety +32

    Thank you! This is so helpful for me creating a montage type essay.

  • @becca5501
    @becca5501 Pƙed 4 lety +7

    4:33 great brainstorm different parts/focusing lens (a thread that connects everything)

  • @milkteadj6685
    @milkteadj6685 Pƙed 3 lety +3

    Thank you! Your videos are actually making me start to enjoy college apps (a bit)

  • @rethibna
    @rethibna Pƙed 4 lety +4

    It was quite informative:) thanks a lot!

  • @abdullahahmed3843
    @abdullahahmed3843 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    It’s pretty nice listening to your tips, love your workđŸ‘đŸŒ

  • @monicamoore2078
    @monicamoore2078 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Thank you!!’ I đŸ‘đŸ», shared and Subscribed immediately after listening to this. My son is a Junior so I will be using this site a lot; As Will He😉 You are amazing. So Grateful :)

  • @alexanderparada8290
    @alexanderparada8290 Pƙed 2 lety +3

    Hopefully this video helps, I always have that mistake from any essays especially this year, it's time for me that I fixed them better and tried to memorize them better. I have trouble trying to do the new essays too and to write some topics that don't make sense for some reason. I don't know what's been holding me back, it's ridiculous I want to end this suffering. I always do it every minute for no reason and it's getting on my nerves. I do a bad job trying do the right things for myself.

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 2 lety

      Thanks for sharing. You're putting in the work...and that's something worth acknowledging! I think you will find my online (pay-what-you-can) courses very helpful! The next sessions start in November. I would love to see you there. A nice perk too is that you will get access to our College Essay Guy Discord server where over 1,000 students are helping and supporting each other through the college application process. You're not alone!
      www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-courses

  • @HenryOmondi-ne1kn
    @HenryOmondi-ne1kn Pƙed rokem

    Yeah getting great advices actually am loving it and with the guidance l am going write the best

  • @elizabethsmith7753
    @elizabethsmith7753 Pƙed 9 měsĂ­ci

    My students LOVE your videos!

  • @dhaqan25hassan83
    @dhaqan25hassan83 Pƙed 2 lety

    Thanks man this 🙏 🙌 👌 ❀ 👍 💯 🙏

  • @alexbelles1370
    @alexbelles1370 Pƙed 3 lety +6

    This guy: recommending getting things done months in advance.
    Me: “my essay is due in a week...”

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 3 lety

      You got this. I recommend this blog since you're in a bit of a hurry: www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/write-your-college-essay-in-just-one-night

  • @rachaelvandevusse7715
    @rachaelvandevusse7715 Pƙed 3 lety +2

    Good Morning - I am a school counselor and have been following you for the past couple of years and a bunch of students from our school district have attended your workshops. I am looking to run a college essay group meeting for juniors in June and we are working through the agenda. What is your recommendation for the best video of yours to show to the group? I don't want to overwhelm the students. The 9 College Essay mistakes video seems to be our frontrunner, it hits on fantastic points. Thanks so much for all of your help and let me know what you think!

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 3 lety

      I'd recommend this video: czcams.com/video/uk7pLY4jbDU/video.html&t
      Why? It focuses what students can and should focus on, which I think is more practical and useful.
      Also, consider signing up your school for College Essay Guy for Schools! www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-guy-for-schools
      It's pay-what-you-can (so free!) and I'll walk your students live through writing great college essays.

  • @madameliv
    @madameliv Pƙed 2 lety +2

    OMG I am a newish to English teacher and you just saved me! (Department mysteriously has nothing to share!) Are you available for group question/answer sessions?

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 2 lety

      Thanks for watching! I'm swamped during this time of year, but I think you'll find some value from the free counselor resources on my website: www.collegeessayguy.com/counselor-resources
      Hope this helps!

  • @jsnvndbrk
    @jsnvndbrk Pƙed 5 lety +4

    Great advice! Also, that's a very nice shirt.

    • @alexmaestas9695
      @alexmaestas9695 Pƙed 5 lety

      But yes, that shirt is beautiful and brings the most bittersweet tears to my eyes.

    • @alexmaestas9695
      @alexmaestas9695 Pƙed 5 lety

      @Broderick Clark That shirt is nearly orgasmic. I cannot stop thinking about it.

    • @alexmaestas9695
      @alexmaestas9695 Pƙed 5 lety

      @Timothy Longoria My fascination with this shirt goes way beyond the boundaries of conventional language. Beautiful.

    • @alexmaestas9695
      @alexmaestas9695 Pƙed 5 lety

      @Timothy Longoria If i could as so much as be in the presence of such a magnificent shirt I truly feel my life will have reached its pinnacle, and that for the rest of my life I will try to recreate the happiness I experienced by seeing such a shirt.

    • @alexmaestas9695
      @alexmaestas9695 Pƙed 5 lety

      @Broderick Clark I would offer my own child in exchange for even one button of this shirt.

  • @sarali9186
    @sarali9186 Pƙed 3 lety +3

    Wow I wish you were able to look over my essay

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 3 lety +1

      If you register for my online courses, you may be able to get your essay reviewed live. More info here: www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-courses

  • @swathyachauhan8992
    @swathyachauhan8992 Pƙed 3 lety +12

    Me starting my own essays in November like đŸ˜¶

  • @simpledanman
    @simpledanman Pƙed 2 lety +3

    Maybe I can use this video to pass my english class. I absolutely hate writing essays though and see next to no point in writing them... Stil can't decide if I'm going to actually try to regurgitate the information I've been taught in word form and actually try, or if I'm going to practice malicious compliance and just make them the most absolutely boring thing ever read in the history of man.

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 2 lety +1

      LOL. I appreciate your thought process. You got this.

  • @eyob_g
    @eyob_g Pƙed 3 lety +6

    2:27
    "So what?" moments

  • @TheCalcSeries
    @TheCalcSeries Pƙed rokem

    This video is great

  • @mxxatlaw
    @mxxatlaw Pƙed 3 lety +8

    Well, here I am with my EA application due in three days...

  • @malitedeborah2321
    @malitedeborah2321 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    I didn’t do a lot of extra-curriculars in high school because there weren’t a lot of active clubs and I’m not athletic, what do I do I’m scared

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 2 lety +1

      If your school didn't offer a lot of activities or you had other responsibilities that stopped you from joining ECs, explain that in the Additional Information section. It usually won't count against you. :)

  • @alexmaestas9695
    @alexmaestas9695 Pƙed 5 lety +38

    yo mama

  • @daymeh4806
    @daymeh4806 Pƙed 3 lety +10

    When it’s due in 4 days😓

  • @begaliaslonov3429
    @begaliaslonov3429 Pƙed 4 lety

    Sir I wrote my essay in the narrative structure but cannot add the turning point one specific part. Will you please help me with that? How can I contact you?

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 4 lety

      Unfortunately I can't review essays for every student, but if curious about working with my team, you can reach out here: www.collegeessayguy.com/one-on-one/
      Also, check out my free guide here: www.collegeessayguy.com/

  • @shrawanipal
    @shrawanipal Pƙed 4 lety +1

    hi, What is the link to the brainstorming exercise?

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 3 lety

      All my brainstorming exercises can be found here: www.collegeessayguy.com/college-admissions-blog#E

  • @catastrophe2155
    @catastrophe2155 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    I am legit watching this in December TTT IMAO

  • @matiahulysse948
    @matiahulysse948 Pƙed 4 lety +2

    Where is the link to how to write a Montage essay?

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 4 lety

      Here you are: www.collegeessayguy.com/cwiab-student-18-montage-structure-sample-essay

  • @ktmuller4286
    @ktmuller4286 Pƙed 3 lety +3

    pov- you’ve decided to rewrite your common app essay 3 hours before it’s due

  • @starryfolks
    @starryfolks Pƙed 3 lety +6

    This guy has an amazing course online tho

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 3 lety +1

      Thanks for chiming in with that! Here's a link for those looking for more info: www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-courses

  • @JJ-vr5hw
    @JJ-vr5hw Pƙed 3 lety

    Is it okay that I wrote my personal essay as if you would write a book chapter 1 ,2,3 they were short cause it was only 650 words

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 3 lety

      Sounds like a pretty cool idea to me if you can pull it off in 650 words!

  • @rafahslifestyle6510
    @rafahslifestyle6510 Pƙed rokem +2

    Not my fault but I just started applying to the University a month before application deadline and now I'm writing the essay less than a week before the application deadline i wish someone told me to apply to international universities earlier. Wish me luck guys!

  • @myric5693
    @myric5693 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    I guess I shouldn't be starting my why us for my ED now

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 2 lety

      You're doing exactly what you should be doing. :) You got this.

  • @shaymaaahmed8073
    @shaymaaahmed8073 Pƙed 4 lety +6

    My essay is about a chicken toy😂😂😂😂

  • @ethannguyen7447
    @ethannguyen7447 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    i’m about 10 drafts into my common app essay now but it just seems too cliche. is it too late to write another one

  • @egshiglenb2443
    @egshiglenb2443 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    84k views? How? How such a great college essay tip video has only 84k views đŸ„Č

  • @shreykabir
    @shreykabir Pƙed rokem +1

    Do u review essays?

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed rokem

      Hi there! Thanks for writing in. We have an essay review platform where you can submit college essays for review by our CEG team. There are paid and free options available. review.collegeessayguy.com/
      If you're looking for 1-on-1 help with your college application and essays, please submit a request form at this link and John from our team will be in touch with you soon. www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-coaching
      Hope this helps! We believe in you.

  • @Lillyanna707
    @Lillyanna707 Pƙed 7 měsĂ­ci

    “Summer”
    Me in December:

  • @riannebanzuela7099
    @riannebanzuela7099 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Me watching this in october!

  • @mesayandargachew3063
    @mesayandargachew3063 Pƙed rokem

    First off all TNX for you vedioa it really helps a lot but I did write an essay and I can't help my self if it is good or not for me it is not that bad but I really need an expert plsss on GOD I can you review it an give me an honest opinion it's like my entire chapter learning journey depends on it so are you willing to help me 😱

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 11 měsĂ­ci

      Hi there! Thanks for writing in. Unfortunately, Ethan is swamped this time of year and cannot review or provide feedback on essays.
      We suggest referring to these blog posts to help with revising your essay:
      1. www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/5-steps-revising-your-college-essay
      2. www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/improve-college-essays-last-minute
      If you're looking for 1-on-1 help with your college application and essays, please submit a request form at this link and John from our team will be in touch with you soon. www.collegeessayguy.com/college-essay-coaching
      Hope this helps! We believe in you.

  • @jayxruzz
    @jayxruzz Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Watching this In Feburary smh!

  • @Nicolelie123
    @Nicolelie123 Pƙed rokem

    Hey college east books what is it

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed rokem

      Hi there. I'm not understanding your question. Could you rephrase it for me?

  • @geovanymartin3143
    @geovanymartin3143 Pƙed 5 lety +2

    Can we send our essays for you to leave comments on ?

    • @Collegeessayguy
      @Collegeessayguy  Pƙed 5 lety

      Hi Geovany! Unfortunately, since I get so many requests from students asking for feedback, I'm not able to offer comments on your essays. Check out my free guide linked in the description for resources on guiding you through the process, plus my favorite exercise for helping students revise their own essay. It's called the Great College Essay Test: czcams.com/video/1-wApCQBu_8/video.html

  • @serginebelance9478
    @serginebelance9478 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Too bad I'm starting last min igh

  • @ayachavez7450
    @ayachavez7450 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    ...w-watch me speedrun this

  • @tanishagaikwad780
    @tanishagaikwad780 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Im watching it now... Do u think ill make it?

  • @ryannurey498
    @ryannurey498 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    i have 9 days to write an essay LOL

  • @akaurqio4320
    @akaurqio4320 Pƙed rokem

    i dont believe in college