Have you ever wondered how to help students avoid clichés? Should you dismiss a student who tells you they scored the winning goal?
The topic has come up several times during our one-on-one meetings with this year’s CEE trainees. We get questions about it every year.
So, as you prepare for the 2024-25 application season, which kicks off this month, we thought it might be a good time to tell you why we recommend using the cliché as a springboard, rather than nixing them outright.
Clichés are clichés because they are true. We rely on them because they start from a place of honesty.
Students have so many of the same experiences (working as camp counselors, attending religious/cultural school, bagging groceries, tutoring peers, volunteering). They face similar tragedies (someone they love dies, a parent loses a job, they struggle with anxiety or depression). And that’s why they start with those experiences when they try to figure out what to write about in their college essays.
Colleges just want to know who the student is, beyond all that. So, let’s help them.
If a student has positive traits and characteristics to share, any of these seemingly clichés topics can become the basis of an effective essay.
To move your student beyond the cliché, start by being curious, by asking questions.
Here’s how to do that:
Let’s say your student, Nadia, wants to write about her cultural background because her parents are from another country.
My cultural background/religion is so unique.
My parents are from (fill in the blank).
Make sure Nadia knows why she wants to tell a story about her culture.
Ask: What do you want colleges to know about you that they can’t find out from the rest of your application package?
Encourage Nadia to share a positive trait or characteristic. Is she creative? Hardworking? Resourceful? Independent? Let Nadia tell you which traits she wants to share.
Next, say something positive to make Nadia feel comfortable and trust you.
That’s so interesting. I am so glad you shared this with me.
Now explore with a conversation.
You might find out the parents got married in their home country, then moved to the U.S. for a job. Nadia was born here. Consider what else you want to know?
You could ask, How does your cultural background show up in your everyday life?
Nadia may tell you what she eats, how they pray, how they dress, what they do to stay connected to their culture. When one of those examples links to the trait or traits she wants to share, then you know your student has a workable topic.
Embrace the cliché. You never know where it will lead.
What are your thoughts about clichés? We’d love to learn more about how you approach them.
Would you like to become a college essay expert?
Join us on the second Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. Eastern for a College Essay Pro Chat.
CEO Susan Knoppow discusses timely issues and answers questions live! Can’t make it? No problem. All sessions are recorded. Just sign up, and watch it later.
