How the “Rest of Summer” Can Impact Your College Applications

Stephanie Kennedy

If you’re like most of us this summer, you’ve completely lost track of what day it is, when the week begins and the weekend ends… 
   But Summer 2020 is waning fast, and now is not the time to hide under the covers of denial. Seniors, it would be wise for you to use what’s left of summer to work on your college essays. This gives you valuable time to think, write, reflect, rewrite, and really get solid on what you want your essays to say about you. “But,” you resist, “I’m just using the Common App, and there’s just one simple essay; no big deal, right?” AHA! I say! Especially this year, that one little 650-word essay holds more weight than ever.

   Not to be dramatic, but with so many seniors unable to take (or retake) the SAT or ACT, college admissions officers are relying more on the college essays than usual, as well as other aspects of your application, to decide who is best qualified to be admitted.
   It would be a mistake not to make your essay the best it can be. 
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Do you know: 

• What college admissions officers are looking for? 
• What kind of writing makes the best impression? 
• How many essays are you expected to write?
• What to emphasize in each essay? 
• Why do supplemental or optional essays matter the most?

I’ve worked with students on their essays for years. I hate it when a great engineering student comes to me in September for help on applications and is truly shocked to find that he has 30 essays to write for the 12 fabulous engineering colleges he’s applying to. The best essays are the ones given time to, shall we say, marinate. Most students, even the best writers, are likely to write seven drafts of their essays. It takes time and reflection, and who has time for reflection in the middle of October!?!? As helpful as your English class might be, there will probably not be time to reflect on your essays!
   College essay tutoring is what I do. I’ve done it for years. As a college consultant, a former admissions officer for several universities (oh, and an English major, too), I know how to motivate my students to create great essays. I don’t write the essays; I coach you in the process that assures you are understanding, reflecting and writing effective essays for the colleges you choose.
   I am eager to help you tell your story so your colleges can have the best understanding of who you are and what you have to offer. Text or call 630-853-4195 and we’ll get started.