THE TABOO SUBJECTS FOR ESSAYS
While admissions officers are thrilled to come upon an essay that is eccentric or “new,” there are some essay topics that are risky. You should not write about anything that is silly, stupid, gross or false. Also, avoid subjects that might make people uncomfortable, or raise red flags about your future behavior.

Therefore, it is best not to write about:

• Sex

• Your use of alcohol or drugs

• Personal struggles with bulimia and/or anorexia, a mental illness, or attempted suicide

• Your family’s dysfunction, especially if you whine and moan about it

• Girl- or boy-friend problems

• Any secret revelations of stealing or shop-lifting (Of course, you must truthfully answer any application questions about being convicted of a crime or an experience with juvenile court.)

• Negative attitudes about anything, especially individuals or groups

There are also a few essay subjects about which admissions people feel burnt out. They include:

• Predictable favorite books such as Catcher In The Rye, Huckleberry Finn and The Great Gatsby.

• Travelogues (I visited here and there and there.)

• The catch, hit, or basket that “won the game”

• A superficial take on wanting to save the world

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