Essay Tips for Parents

Parents often ask how to assist their child with college applications and essays. Keep in mind that students should be doing the research and the writing, but there are several ways parents can support the process.

Get your student started early. Essays and application questions are often the most stressful part of the process. Don't wait until October of an already stressful senior year.

Offer encouragement rather than directing. No one knows your child better than you. Encourage your student to show the admissions officers who they are as a person and share their awesome qualities.

Read drafts, but try not to criticize. It is ok to offer your opinion on your student's draft and ask clarifying questions. Engaging in a conversation to determine what your child is trying to share can be very helpful.

Be realistic. Your student's essay should sound like it was written by a high school student. Admissions officers can tell the difference between the writing voice of a 17-year-old and an overly polished essay heavily edited by an adult.

Keep an eye on the calendar. Deadlines for early action and early decision fall early on in the school year. Take a realistic look at your child’s schedule and encourage them to block off dedicated time to work on their applications. The work is more likely to be completed if it is on their schedule.

Keep in mind, that the essays are designed to allow the student to show who they are. Whether your child decides to write about a summer job, a book, the time they failed a test, or an amazing travel experience; the essay is about what they learned or gained from the experience. I walk students through a 10-step writing process over the course of 2-3 weeks that helps them find their voice and tell their stories. My hope is that at the end of the essay writing and application process they feel confident in their work and abilities.