College Essays
Is your senior feeling the pressure of early application deadlines (more)? You're not alone. Many seniors are in crunch mode right now, especially when it comes to those dreaded essays. But don't worry, we've got your back. At College Parents, we're all about supporting you and your family with clear, straightforward advice. Here’s a quick reminder to help you tackle those essays and nail your applications: Keep it personal. Be transparent. Stay focused and remember: You’ve got this! 🎓
YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHINE
We hear a lot about the "essay"—that’s the Personal Statement on the Common App. It's a big deal but not overwhelming at just 650 words. Think of it as your personal spotlight, not War and Peace. The Common App gives seven prompts, but don't stress over them. Focus on your idea; it’ll fit one of the prompts, trust me.
Your goal? Show who YOU are and what you’ll bring to a college campus. Don’t just repeat your resume. If you’re stuck, start with "What? So What? Now What?" It's not just about the "what"—the "so what" and "now what" reveal your growth and character.
Remember, your Personal Statement is your story, not a generic five-paragraph essay. If someone’s editing for you, they should focus on grammar, clarity, and making sure it sounds like YOU. Authenticity is key. They should help highlight YOU—not your inspirations or heroes. Be real. Be you. 🎓
Some of our favorite Personal Statement resources are:
THINKING ABOUT OTHER ESSAY QUESTIONS
Depending on the colleges a student is applying to, they will likely have additional essay questions to address. Some examples follow, but students should make sure they are carefully checking college websites and application portals themselves.
Supplemental essays: Your secret weapon 📝
Most colleges throw a few curveballs—extra questions called supplemental essays. 📚 These aren't just filler. They're crucial!
Find them in your Common App once you list your schools. Do your homework and reflect a bit before diving in.
Pro tip: Check out College Transitions and College Essay Guy for expert advice!
Honors college applications: Level up 🌟
Dreaming of an honors college? They need extra essays too!
Heads up—deadlines can sneak up early. Mark those calendars and get on it if you're aiming high.
Beyond the Common App: Explore new territories 🌎
University of California, California State, and many international schools have their own portals. They do things a bit differently. (UC System)
These schools provide tons of info about their questions. Dive into their websites and check out those virtual sessions. Trust me, it's worth it!
Parental support: You're the MVP 🙌
Parents, your support is gold! Encourage your student to keep all their essays in one spot—like a Google Doc. They might spot some overlap and save themselves a ton of time!
Deadline drama? Not on our watch! ⏰
Timing is everything. If a deadline's January 8th, no need to stress on October 30th.
Feeling overwhelmed? It might be time to trim that college list. Focus on what truly matters! You're not alone on this journey. We’re here to support and empower you every step of the way. You've got this! 🎉
TIP OF THE WEEK
Believe it or not, many seniors say (in hindsight) that they enjoyed the essay writing process and that they learned a lot about themselves. It doesn’t have to be miserable. Encourage your student to find blocks of writing time on a weekend, without distraction, and without other homework pressures weighing on them.
