College Admissions Questions from Parents, Part One

College admissions season is upon us! I know parents have lots of questions, so I thought I would take the opportunity to answer some here! 

What are some good topics other than overcoming struggles or hardships?

When I begin working with a student, I always have them identify their qualities, values and passions to help inform their writing going forward. 

Writing about anything a student is passionate about could always work, because that passion will come through in the writing and help it to sound genuine. Passions can range from playing a musical instrument, to doing science experiments, to hiking in nature. As long as there is a story to tell there, the topic will work. 

Now those qualities and values can come into play if a student has had a time in their life, (which most of us have), when they questioned those values, because their perspectives were challenged. Perhaps they even changed their opinions as a result. That essay would be a metacognitive journey showcasing how the student thinks, which is ultimately something that every essay should convey.

In short, while overcoming struggles or hardships could make a great college essay topic, a student doesn’t have to have that experience to write a winning essay that will wow admissions committees!

If you or your child would like help crafting beautiful and effective college essays, feel free to contact me at rachel@executivewritingcoach.com for a free consultation!