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College Essays & Personal Statements: Other Tips

Avoid These!

The following words / phrases have been used to the point of inducing instant nausea in admissions officers. Avoid leading off with these types of sentences at all costs!

As a global nomad, I have learned from every place where I have lived.

Being a third culture kid has brought mixed blessings.

I have a deep passion for...("deep passion" is trite)

I find xxxxxx endlessly fascinating... ("endlessly fascinating" is overused)

My name is (don't start with that!)

Don't lead off with a quote by someone- you could use that at a later point but not as your first sentence!