The Secret of a Great Essay? Moving Beyond the Common Words

If you’re reading this, you’re one of thousands of students who sit down every year to write their college, grad school, or other higher education application essays. Filled with hopes and the best intentions, many of you will inadvertently fall into the trap of using overused words that won’t highlight your strengths and experiences. Words like "passionate," "unique," and "challenging" might seem like powerful choices, but are they helping your essay stand out from among the rest?

The power of words and the impact they have on your admissions chances cannot be underestimated. Take steps to learn the art of transforming your writing from ordinary to exceptional, and produce an essay that resonates with admissions officers while reflecting your voice.

This article dissects the top 15 words that have become clichés in application essays and offers fresh, compelling alternatives. You'll avoid common pitfalls by following these tips and making better choices.

1 - Passion/Passionate - Overused to describe interests, making your sentence feel insincere or exaggerated.

Instead, consider:

• Devoted: "I am devoted to urban sketching, spending weekends capturing the city's vibrant life."

• Enthusiastic: "I am enthusiastic about computer programming, often spending hours tackling complex coding challenges."

2 - Unique - Ironically, using the term to claim uniqueness often does the opposite.

Instead, consider:

• Distinctive: "My approach to solving problems is distinctive, blending creativity with analytical skills."

• Uncommon: "I have an uncommon perspective on environmental conservation due to my volunteering experiences."
  

3 - Motivated - Even though it sounds positive, it’s vague and doesn’t provide specific examples of your motivation.

Instead, consider:

• Driven: "I am driven to excel in biomedical research and to contribute to innovative health solutions."

• Eager: "I am eager to engage with the diverse academic community at your university to broaden my horizons."
  

4 - Rewarding - Describes experiences superficially without detailing what made them so.

Instead, consider:

• Fulfilling: "Working at the community food bank was a fulfilling experience, giving me insight into the challenges of food insecurity."

• Gratifying: "Seeing my efforts in the robotics club lead to an improved design and team performance was gratifying."

5 - Incredible/Amazing - These words are often hyperbolic and can weaken your statement’s authenticity.

Instead, consider:

• Remarkable: "The lecture series on quantum computing I attended was remarkable and expanded my understanding significantly."

• Astounding: "The resilience of the people I met during my service trip was astounding and deeply inspiring."

6 - Learned my lesson - A clichéd conclusion, better to show through specific examples.

Instead, consider:

• Gained insight: "I gained valuable insight after failing my first calculus exam, which taught me more effective study methods."

• Understood the importance: "I understood the importance of teamwork when our project failed due to poor communication."

7 - Hardworking - Too general and overused. Specific examples of your efforts are much more effective.

Instead, consider:

• Diligent: "I am diligent in my academic pursuits, consistently seeking to understand topics beyond the syllabus."

• Industrious: "My industrious nature is evident in my commitment to my studies and my willingness to work at two part-time jobs to pay the bills."
  

8 - Challenge - Often used in essays about overcoming obstacles, but without new perspectives or insights, it can feel clichéd.

Instead, consider:

• Obstacle: "Overcoming the obstacle of public speaking anxiety was a major achievement for me."

• Difficulty: "I faced significant difficulties adjusting to a new culture, which taught me valuable adaptability skills."
  

9 - Dream - Can seem unrealistic unless grounded with a solid plan.

Instead, consider:

• Aspiration: "My aspiration to become a civil engineer is inspired by a desire to create sustainable urban spaces."

• Goal: "My goal is to work in renewable energy to contribute to global sustainability efforts."
  

10 - Journey - A metaphor that’s so commonly used in personal statements that it sounds worn out.

Instead, consider:

• Path: "A deep interest in environmental science has guided my academic path."

• Exploration: "My exploration of different cultures through travel has shaped my perspective on global issues."
  

1. Life-changing - It can be too dramatic if it’s not authentic. Use it sparingly and only for genuinely transformative experiences.
   

Instead, consider:

• Transformative: "My internship was transformative, providing me with skills and confidence in my field."

• Pivotal: "The workshop I attended was pivotal in shaping my understanding of conflict resolution."
  

1. Impact/Impactful - Frequently used to describe hopes to effect change, but often without demonstrating precisely how or why.
   

Instead, consider:

• Influence: "I aim to influence community health positively through innovative public health projects."

• Contribution: "I hope to make a significant contribution to genetic research during my career."  

1. Worldview - While it can be relevant to your field of studies, it’s often used vaguely and without clear examples.

Instead, consider:

• Perspective: "My international travel experiences have broadened my perspective on global political issues."

• Outlook: "My volunteer work with underserved communities significantly shaped my outlook on life."
  

1. Opportunity - Overused to describe every favorable scenario. Be more specific about what the opportunity was/is and what it entails/ed.

Instead, consider:

• Chance: "I had the chance to lead a team project, which honed my leadership skills."

• Prospect: "The prospect of studying under renowned scholars at your university excites me."
  

1. Society – Often used in a generalistic way to address complex issues without showing a deep understanding or personal engagement.

Instead, consider:

• Community: "I am committed to making a difference in my local community through social work."

• Public: "Engaging with the public through community theater has taught me the value of cultural dialogue."

As you approach the challenge of writing your college or higher education application essay or personal statement, remember that every word you choose carries weight. By stepping away from overused phrases and embracing more distinctive language, you not only enhance your submission, but also create a lasting impression on your readers. The alternatives and examples provided here are your tools for breaking free from the cliché and truly showcasing your individuality and insights.

Don’t let your application blend into the pile. Take the first step towards a great application essay or statement of purpose today by revisiting your draft with a fresh perspective. Incorporate our suggestions and watch your personal story shine in its truest form. For further guidance or a professional review, connect to Application Essay Master. I’ll ensure your application meets the mark and soars beyond it.