Does your student have an Educational & College Admissions Plan? Are you on target? 

Schedule your Educational & College Planning Assessment

If you reside in South Florida, consider attending my  WRITERS BLOCK COLLEGE ESSAY WORKSHOP  in June.  For students throughout the US, work on your college essay brainstorming, polishing and editing is conducted remotely during numerous personal appointments. You can also join our workshop remotely- ask me how- call : 833-MY-ESSAY 

Your experiences are unique and so too is your message.  Readers of your application truly want to get to know you and hear your authentic voice. There's no "right" answer-tell your story- the story you share is a clear reflection of your values, unique identity and how you connect with others within your "community".

Your admissions essay allows you to distinguish yourself from other students--your competitors --and to introduce yourself.  A well conceived essay highlights your unique strengths and experiences in a way that your transcript and test scores cannot fully illuminate.

The core essay is time for introspection and reflection about experiences that have truly been defining moments. I've enjoyed helping students tell their story-some of my favorite essays have been revealing and intriguing tales of childhood memories of Halloween, learning to ski, fishing with grandparents, multi-generational family celebrations, rummy-cube tournaments, emigrating to the US, observing a bucket of KFC at a family funeral in India, finding a personal voice through tutoring abroad, gardening that led to a hot-sauce venture and working in the customer service department of a local supermarket chain.

 

If you've convinced yourself that you're not a great writer- don't let that thought overwhelm you. Simply talk about yourself - to your close friends, a trusted family member (sibling, cousin, parent) or into the voice recorder on your cellphone- and you'll have the start of your essay. You don't need clichés, quotations, or vocabulary that wouldn't normally be used in conversation. You DO need details, examples and passionate authenticity. Be yourself!

Inspiration might come from identifying a happy or sad memory, a treasured keepsake, a mistake you can't forget, something you admire about a parent or teacher's tenacity, moral compass or kindness. Think about the stories your own parents and grandparents share with you about their youth-imagine yourself twenty years in the future sharing your personal stories with a young adult- what would you likely share?

 

THE SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY(S)

 

Students in STEM , business and creative & performing arts students need to demonstrate "informed interest" through a clear understanding of the chosen field of study and a "vision" or "problem" of interest.   This is another reason why guided early college planning is essential- allowing every student to nurture emerging interests through formative experiences both within and outside high school. This may include a variety of student organizations, community organizations or competitive collegiate summer research programs.

STEM and business students will be expected to define a clear "question" or interest-- showing a deep understanding and appreciation for the chosen field. Creative and visual arts students submit a portfolio of work- and part of that process requires a statement of vision - explaining the selected pieces shared.

While you will want to demonstrate "informed interest" (see my earlier blog on "Admissions Trends "), you will want to aim to "recycle" your responses wherever possible.  For example, writing a college specific supplemental essay focused on discussing what motivated you to pursue engineering or business you'll likely discuss your inspirational experience at FIRST robotics or DECA.  Equally important, you'll want to include college specific information that elaborates and demonstrates your informed interest in attending a specific institution by referring to genuine thoughts about the undergraduate research opportunities, a specific research institute or some unique aspect of the undergraduate curriculum that inspires you.

Colleges are unique and it's up to you to have a very solid reason for why you want to attend a specific institution.  Do you research as this will increase the likelihood of admissions success and also finding a college that is your best personalized fit. This information needs to be included in your essay and woven into your discussion of the shared experiences noted on the activities portion of your common application.

WHO ARE YOU - ?  

YES I'M ASKING THAT QUESTION AGAIN!!

I often meet young adults who seem to think they have already decided the field that they want to study as undergraduates and even as graduate students! Their enthusiasm is wonderful, but at times these early academic/career choices rest upon preconceived notions about their interests and  misinformation about a given field of study.