GSQT – After many years studying in the US, it’s not hard to notice many common mistakes when writing essays to study in the US, such as essays absorbed in analyzing current issues but forgot to share thoughts and personal experiences.

In the US student visa application, the essay is divided into two types: the main essay (personal statement) and the supporting essay (sup essay). The article mentions common mistakes when writing essays to study in the US in the main essay because this is the most important element of the application.

Wrong genre

Many candidates write their main essay in an argumentative form, which is not true. Have you ever wondered: “Why does the admissions committee make you write an essay next to a bunch of certificates and grades?”. The answer is that in addition to achievements, they also want to know about your background, experience and who you are.

You don’t need to talk about global warming or traffic violations. To understand these things, the admissions committee can read newspapers and in-depth analysis articles. Instead, take advantage of the essay space to talk about what you went through, what those experiences contributed to making you who you are today. In other words, the main essay should be written in the form of a narrative essay, without analyzing any issues.

Self-restriction of topics

Instead of letting themselves be creative, many people force themselves to follow certain topics, limiting themselves to topics. For example, the main thesis topic chosen by international students is usually about how to learn Math, this approach is not wrong but not attractive. Try telling stories about going fishing or learning music. A person who is good at Math who knows many other things is definitely more attractive than someone whose life revolves around Math.

If you have a track record and want to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the area you intend to pursue, you can leave it to the sub-theme. One of common mistakes when writing essays to study in the US is that using main essay to talk about something that your certificates and grades have fully demonstrated, forgetting to share about a new aspect, other impressions of yourselves.

Showing off too much

High-achieving candidates often turn the main thesis into the “prose” form of their CV, listing personal accomplishments. The taboo of essay writing is bragging. The admissions committee can know your achievements through grades, medals, certificates of merit… and they have no need to read them again in the essay. This even caused a backlash, making the judges aversion and fatigue.

Forgot to talk about yourself

Many candidates use their main essay to talk about an experience that involved a relative, friend, or special person. However, some of you are “so busy” describing others that you forget to mention yourself.

In the main essay, the writer is always the main subject. If another character appears, you need to clarify how that person has an impact, helping you to change, think, and act. Everything about the essay should go to one end: to highlight who you are.

Lack of convincing

Any argument that is accompanied by evidence will be more believable and persuasive. For example, you say that you used to be a bad student, then change and try to study. If you stop here, the admissions committee will question the veracity of what you tell.

Meanwhile, you need to give evidence, for example, the overall score is only 4.8/10, the whole school has only two average students and you are the one who has lower grades than the other. That shows that you are the worst performing student in school. Similarly, when it comes to being a good student, you need to clearly show the reader how the negative numbers in the past have improved. Only then will your essay be convincing enough to the admissions committee.