If you write a phrase in your college essay, such as…
“My community service project taught me the importance of helping others.”
“I am very interested in business.”
“Small class sizes are appealing to me because I enjoy classes with more participation.”
…expect that your reader will then look for evidence that you’ve walked that talk. Have you continued making efforts to help people? What steps have you taken to learn about business? Did your letters of recommendation mention that you participated in class?
Students who make statements they can’t back up are usually trying too hard to be impressive. Instead, just tell the truth. Choose talk that you can walk.