5 common app essay mistakes to stop doing, like, yesterday

Summary

Kevin Zensei, a professional college counselor and YouTuber, shares essential tips to avoid the five most common Common App essay mistakes. He advises focusing on core themes, avoiding resume dumps, maintaining a problem-solution ratio, avoiding abrupt 'Eureka' moments, and steering clear of cliché reflections. Kevin also offers editing services through his website, www.elevated.school, to help students enhance their essays and improve their college application chances.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kevin Zensei is a professional college counselor with a background in Exeter and Yale, and he has helped many students get into their dream schools.
• 📚 His students come from diverse backgrounds and have been accepted into Ivy League and top 20 schools, highlighting his broad experience.
• ✍️ The script discusses the five most common Common App essay mistakes, emphasizing the importance of avoiding these to improve application success.
• 🎻 The first mistake is 'packing everything' into the personal statement, where Kevin advises focusing on one or two key aspects instead of trying to mention every achievement.
• 📋 The second mistake is 'resume dump', where students repeat their activities and awards in the essay, which is redundant and not insightful.
• 🚫 Kevin warns against cliché topics and suggests focusing on personal growth or unique perspectives rather than standard achievements.
• 🔄 The third mistake is the 'problem-solution ratio', where students should spend no more than a third of the essay on the problem and more on solutions and reflections.
• 🏆 He mentions that significant obstacles can be an exception, but still advises focusing on solutions and contributions rather than the problem itself.
• 💡 The fourth mistake is the 'Eureka problem', where students abruptly shift from problem to solution without showing the process of getting there.
• 🎨 To fix this, Kevin suggests introducing a secondary problem and detailing the steps taken to overcome both, demonstrating perseverance.
• 🤔 The fifth mistake is 'cliche one-dimensional reflections', which he advises to avoid by combining interesting values and presenting a unique perspective.
• 🛠️ Kevin offers professional essay editing services through his website, www.elevated.school, for students seeking help in refining their essays.

Q & A

Who is Kevin Zensei?

Kevin Zensei is a professional college counselor, an Exeter and Yale graduate, a YouTuber, a great dancer, and the person who has edited hundreds of college essays, helping students get into their dream schools.

What is the main topic of Kevin Zensei's video?

The main topic of Kevin Zensei's video is the five most common Common App essay mistakes and how to avoid them.

What is the first mistake Kevin Zensei mentions in the Common App essay?

The first mistake is packing everything into the personal statement, trying to talk about every activity or award, which is not necessary and can detract from the essay's focus.

Why should students not re-explain their awards and achievements in the Common App essay?

Students should not re-explain their awards and achievements because it can come off as arrogant and cliché, and the essay should highlight experiences that are unique and not found elsewhere in the application.

What is the 'problem-solution ratio' that Kevin Zensei discusses?

The 'problem-solution ratio' refers to the balance between discussing the problem (no more than a third of the essay), the solution (at least forty to fifty percent), and reflection (twenty to thirty percent) in the Common App essay.

What should students focus on in their essays according to Kevin Zensei?

Students should focus on their personal growth, leadership experience, and demonstrated solutions, rather than solely on the problems they faced or their achievements.

What is the 'Eureka problem' that Kevin Zensei warns against?

The 'Eureka problem' is when a student abruptly shifts from the problem to the solution, making it seem like they suddenly figured everything out, which can sound unbelievable and unimpressive.

How can students avoid the 'Eureka problem' in their essays?

To avoid the 'Eureka problem', students should explain that there was no overnight solution and detail the steps or measures they took over time, possibly introducing a second, shorter problem and how they overcame it.

What is the issue with cliché one-dimensional reflections in essays, according to Kevin Zensei?

Cliché one-dimensional reflections are unoriginal and do not provide depth or insight into the student's personal growth or learning, making the essay less impactful.

How can students make their reflections more interesting and avoid clichés?

Students can make their reflections more interesting by taking common values and fusing them together in a unique way, or by flipping a cliché on its head to provide a fresh perspective.

What service does Kevin Zensei offer for students who need help with their essays?

Kevin Zensei offers essay editing services through his website, www.elevated.school, where students can upload their essays for professional feedback and editing.