One of the reasons so many families hire Campus Bound over the summer is so that students can complete their college essay BEFORE senior year. Our counselors and essay specialists are available all summer long and we love helping students write amazing essays and taking this big task off their fall to-do lists.
In this blog, we wanted to provide our top tips for writing the college essay. Print this out, and share it with friends, because this information is essential to know before you start writing.
The college application process is complicated, and it’s understandable that families would want to seek as much information as they possibly can. But, we have learned over many years of doing this work that too much advice can actually work against you. Here are a few examples when it makes sense to cut down the outside advice and maybe even trust your own gut.
Jackie is a college counselor with Campus Bound, learn more about her in this Staff Spotlight.
We get this question a lot, and perhaps it’s one that you have thought to ask: “What is a good college?” or “What is a good SAT score?” We are often asked what is good, so it’s time to address it.
Most students know that they will need to write one big college essay for their applications. But, sometimes the additional essays can come as a surprise. One option on the Common Application and Coalition Application is for students to write an “Additional Information Essay.” It’s worded as such on the Common Application: “Do you wish to provide details of circumstances or qualifications not reflected in the application?”
So, does everyone need to write this essay? And what should it be about?
It’s becoming common knowledge that teenagers are more stressed than ever. A recent study determined that nearly 50% of high school students who attend rigorous high schools feel a great deal of stress on a daily basis. (You can find that study here) Additionally, The National Association of Mental Illness reports that 1 in 4 students have had suicidal thoughts.
Erika Murphy is a College Counselor with Campus Bound. Learn more about her in this Staff Spotlight.
It’s true that, as colleges are focusing less on standardized tests (ACT and SAT) to influence admission decisions, they are focusing more on subjective things like the activity resume, recommendations and essays. You can find more information about the resume here, and more information about recommendations here.
However, the importance of the college essay can lead some students to become nearly paralyzed when trying to write it. They often feel like they have to get in front of a computer and, in one sitting, write the best essay they have ever written. Talk about pressure! That would be nearly impossible for anyone to do.
In previous Campus Bound blog posts, we have discussed the Activity Resume and why it’s necessary. There are several tips we covered in this previous blog. It’s important to note that community service should always be a category on your activity list for two main reasons: 1. It looks good to colleges. 2. Because it’s just a good thing to do! In this blog, we discuss the role it plays in the college admission process and how much is “enough.”
As part of our Advice From Inside series, where I ask our amazing staff of college counselors and former college admission counselors to share their knowledge with student and parents, this time I asked…
“What can rising seniors do over the summer to make their fall less stressful?”