The excitement surrounding the college process is how it gives students the opportunity to explore what’s next after high school, thinking about the future, preparing for change, and enjoying milestones that come with finishing up the high school experience.
The same sentiments are not often felt when it comes to the college essay. While an important part of many college applications, it too can be an exciting, albeit challenging, part of the process.
In my opinion, the essay is simply a window into your soul – a story about your life that an admissions counselor may otherwise not know by reading the application. Here are some steps to get started on the road to an excellent college essay:
Spring of 11th Grade:
- Review the Common Application Essay Prompts and choose one (1) topic that is most appealing
- Spend 20-30 minutes doing a free writing session. Focus on getting all initial ideas, thoughts, and feelings out on the paper.
- Choose 1-2 people who can assist you with feedback and editing.
- After the feedback, write one-full draft of the essay. Then, step away from the essay until August
Late Summer and Early Fall of 12th Grade:
- After a couple months away, sit down to review the first full draft of the essay to determine if the topic and content is still relevant
- If you need to change topics then follow steps listed above (Spring of 11th grade)
- If think the topic is still a good, then do a major edit of that first draft
- Share this updated second draft with an editor and discuss the content, themes, sentence structure, etc.
- Make appropriate changes based on editor feedback and develop a third, final draft of the essay
The best advice is to have no more than 2 editors assist with the process and asking close family members is not ideal. Look to college counselors (both independent and school-based) since this is their area of expertise, or a trusted teacher or friend with experience about how to effectively write a college essay.
Remember, the college essay is not meant to be perfect and it is not meant to sound like anyone else but you. This is a wonderful addition to a college application and a well-written, thoughtful, and insightful piece of writing could be the emotional connection an admissions counselor needs to say ADMITTED.
For further advice or guidance about how to write an effective college essay or general support throughout the entire college admissions process, please schedule a 15-minute complimentary call to learn about how Dana can guide you along the way. Visit www.consultwithdana.com to learn more.