10 Tips to Help You & Your Teen with the College Essay Process
By Guest Blogger Kristen Daukas
So, you’re the proud parent of a high school student gearing up for college! You might have heard about how crucial the college essay is for highlighting your child’s unique qualities and talents. But don’t worry, there’s no need to fear! We’ve got your back with some tips and tricks to guide your teenager through the writing process. Plus, help them create an essay that truly stands out to college admissions officers.
In this post, we’ll dive into 10 insider secrets that will equip your child with the tools they need to tackle their college essay confidently. So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to uncover the secrets to crafting an exceptional piece that will set your child apart from their competition and make their college application shine!
- Start by encouraging your child to brainstorm ideas and organize their thoughts. Help them identify topics they’re passionate about and have them focus on those for their essay.
- Let your child know it’s okay to ask for help if they feel overwhelmed or stuck. You can provide guidance and support, but remember, the essay is ultimately their own.
- Inspire your child by having them read essays from successful college applicants. This will give them an idea of what colleges are looking for in an essay.
- Help your child come up with potential stories or anecdotes they can use to illustrate their points in the essay.
- Offer advice on the structure of the essay, including outlining main points for each section and crafting a cohesive introduction and conclusion.
- Encourage your child to use powerful words that grab the reader’s attention and create vivid imagery in their writing.
- Help your child spot and correct any grammatical or spelling errors in their essay.
- Have your child read their essay aloud to you – this will help identify any awkward sentences and give you a sense of how it sounds when read or spoken.
- Remind your child that the essay should be about them – not just a list of achievements, but also a reflection of who they are and their unique perspective.
- Lastly, reassure your child that taking a break is okay if they feel stuck or overwhelmed. Stepping back can give them fresh eyes when they return to the essay.
It’s an exciting time for high schoolers and parents as they embark to college. Crafting a winning college essay is a crucial step in this process. By encouraging your teen to brainstorm, consider structure, and seek help when needed, you’ll greatly enhance their chances of creating a compelling essay that showcases their personality in the best light possible. So, don’t hesitate to play an active role in helping them write their college essay – with your guidance, they’ll be one-step closer to achieving their academic dreams!
Good luck!
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