The college essay! The last in our series on the “big five” elements in college applications is a discussion of how to approach what is often the most stressful piece of college applications.

This series of five episodes is focused on the primary elements of a college application and geared towards students who are applying to college in the fall.

While not every college will use all five elements, it’s important to understand how to make the most of this opportunity to share who you are and what is important to you as part of your overall college application story. 

How do students feel about the fact that there are really no absolutes when thinking about the right way to approach writing the college essay? Maybe pretty anxious, because “no rules” might make some students feel less certain about this important  piece of writing, especially when they feel they are being judged.  

We talk about balancing being vulnerable and authentic while still selling yourself to the colleges you are applying to.

In our tips segment we offer suggestions regardless of your approach. Does your essay sound like you? Proofread carefully and ask someone else to review for copy edits as well, but be cautious of too much help or too many reviewers. Yes, too many cooks DO spoil the essay soup! 

Time Stamps:

0:41 What Are We Learning This Week? Katelyn and Whitney discuss the emerging use of AI in college admissions offices for the review of application essays. 

4:21 Big Picture: Learn about the objectives of the primary essay in your application and what to consider when approaching the most creative and reflective piece of a college application.

17:23  “Stump the IEC (Independent Educational Consultant)” Mascot madness: can you name the college, founded by Quakers, with a poet for a team  mascot?

19:45  Tips and Strategies to help you tackle the college essay while maintaining your voice and message.

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Thanks for listening!