The dreaded college essay. A right of passage for all students seeking to enter into higher institutions of learning. And one that seems like an even playing field. But is it? For my low-income students, this piece of the college process feels like space where they have all the same chances and opportunities as their more affluent peers. I thought the same. Until my sister and my cousin were both applying to college. And one of them was paying $1500 for college essay editing/writing services. And it wasn’t my sister.
There is a whole world out there of college acceptance services and companies to help navigate the college process successfully and with great results. But this world is only accessible to a select few. And it is a sound business plan. Everyone who wants to go to college needs to write an essay, this essay needs to be super specific, and writing is intimidating. So, why not hire someone to help you? Especially someone who has seen and written essays that earned ivy league acceptance?
As an English teacher, I like to think that I am a pretty good writing. I might even be an expert in some areas. ( I’m looking at you MLA citation!) I thought I knew what a great caliber college essay was. And I did have a pretty good idea, but I was absolutely blown away when I saw the essays my cousin was writing with her $1500 help. Then, I was blown away again when my sister sent me her friends ( fellow Ivy Leaguers) essays her freshman year.
So, why am I writing all this? Well, I want to make the college essay process transparent, simplistic, and accessible to all students.
For the past 6 years, I have been helping my first-generation students write and perfect their college essays. Some people have told me that this is an ethical dilemma, and I point these people to the websites of the $1500 essay writing services.
What is my method? One, I love writing. Two, I have spent hours of my life reading hundreds of successful college essays. Three, I’ve worked at a college prep school the past two years with a college counseling team with over 15 years of inside admission experience. I’ve listened, I’ve lived it, and I’ve learned. Now, I am ready to share it all!
Below, are my top tips for helping students to start the college essay writing process!
Each week, I am going to feature a longer post delving into the hows and whys of each tip, and provide examples from college essays that worked :)
If you're looking for some great real life examples of exemplary essays, feel free to buy my essay example bundle here On sale this week for half-price!
Let’s get our students into some amazing colleges and set them up to achieve their dreams!
