Note: this article is based on the original article on this blog site and updated with a Singaporean perspective for our Singaporean audience.

Writing a strong essay or personal statement is often the tipping factor between “just meets” and “stands out” when you apply to university—whether it’s at a local institution like National University of Singapore (NUS) or a foreign one. If you’re applying from Singapore, here are seven common mistakes to steer clear of.

1. Using Famous Quotes

It’s tempting to open your essay with a dramatic quote from Confucius or Shakespeare. But your essay should be about you, not a platform for someone else’s words.

In Singapore, you might feel pressure to sound high-level and polished; but a striking, honest personal story beats a generic quote any day. Admission officers already know who Lee Kuan Yew and Einstein are—they want to know you.

2. Repeating Your Résumé

Many Singapore-based applicants end up regurgitating what’s already in their application form: “I was head prefect, I scored A*s, I volunteered…” The essay must go beyond bullet points.

For example: instead of “I joined the debate club”, explain why you joined, what challenge you faced (maybe speaking up in Mandarin in a debate dominated by English), and how that experience shaped the way you think today. If you’re applying to NUS or abroad, this is your space to reveal depth, not just list achievements.

3. Leaning Heavily on AI-Generated Text

Yes, tools like ChatGPT are handy. But using them to generate your essay verbatim is a risky move. Universities (both in Singapore and overseas) have plagiarism detection in place; they can spot when a piece of writing lacks your genuine voice.

Example: If your narrative talks in sweeping, generic tones rather than specifics like “in my H2 Literature class in Singapore I…” it may ring hollow. Use AI for inspiration and editing—don’t let it take over your voice.

4. Volunteering Work Without a Tie-In

Many students in Singapore list “volunteer at (charity)” or “tutored kids” because they think it looks good. But if you simply mention the activity without connecting it back to your identity, significance or learning, it comes across as filler.

Better: describe a moment, such as how you coached a weaker classmate under pressure of your own JC exams, what you observed in Singapore’s education system or how this shaped your ambitions. That makes it telling, not just listing.

5. Over-focusing on Struggles Without Showing Growth

Background: you come from a low-income family in Singapore, you worked part-time at a kopitiam, you overcame language barriers etc. That’s valid. But if your essay simply recounts hardship without forward momentum—“I struggled… I struggled…”—it misses the mark.

Show how those experiences led to change: “As I helped my aunt run her stall at Tiong Bahru Market during weekends, I discovered the power of personal interaction and customer psychology, which led me to choose a Business major specialising in consumer behaviour.” That kind of connection signals maturity, not just adversity.

6. Using Overly Complex Language

In Singapore’s education system, you may’ve been encouraged to use big words and formal register. But in the admissions world, clarity and authenticity matter more than vocabulary.

If you write sentences like “I endeavoured to ameliorate my pedagogical proficiency…” you risk sounding unnatural. Use your own voice: “I tried hard to improve how I taught my younger cousin …” Admission officers value readability and sincerity.

7. Not Proof-reading Meticulously

You might think spelling and grammar errors are minor—but they flag carelessness. Whether you’re applying to a local polytechnic, university, or overseas school, attention to detail signals seriousness.

Tip: after writing your essay, leave it for a day (if time allows), then revisit with fresh eyes. Use online tools, but also get someone else—maybe a teacher at your Singapore school, older alum, or friend—to read it. They may catch awkward phrasing or unclear logic.

Final Take-away

Whether your goal is to enrol at NUS, NTU, Singapore Management University (SMU), or a foreign institution, your essay is a powerful tool to distinguish you. Avoid clichés, stay genuinely you, write with clarity, proof-read thoroughly—and make sure each paragraph reveals why you are doing what you’re doing, not just that you are doing it.

If you’d like personalised help tailoring your essay for Singapore-based or international admissions—feel free to reach out to us via the link below.