The Edge: Experts say a lot of kids are writing about graphic or overly personal things in their college essays

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – There is no secret formula for writing a winning college essay, but one expert says there is one thing you should avoid. They advise you should skip anything you wouldn’t comfortably share with an adult in person, adding that graphic or overly personal topics can quickly turn off an admissions reader. Sports injuries, celebrity relatives, or family trauma are not well-received. They also say to avoid writing about blood, drugs, and illegal activity.