Thinking about the college process? Wondering just how important is the college essay really is? Here are five myths and facts of the college essay for you to contemplate:
Myth 1: A college essay has to be written about an impressive topic.
Fact: The essay is a story you write about you. The story is most important.
Myth 2: Your essay should sound sophisticated, like Hemingway or a college professor.
Fact: It has to be written like you. You are a 17 year-old high school student, and you should sound like one. A smart one, but a student all the same.
Myth 3: There is a right way and a wrong way to write an essay.
Fact: Your best essay will grow out of the process of writing it.
Myth 4: Admissions officers will never know if a parent, tutor or college coach has “helped” a student with the essay.
Fact: There is a fine line between helping and writing it for your student. Admissions officers can tell; parents and others often can’t.
Myth 5: Only superstar students will impress admissions officers with their essays.
Fact: Anyone can stand out.
Parents and students, find out during Wow Writing Workshop's FREE myths and facts sessions this month.
Wow will be running two 30-minute informational sessions this week. The first two, slated for Tuesday, March 27, will take place at the Metro Detroit National College Fair at Burton Manor (beginning at 9:45 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.). We will be offering a third session Thursday, March 29, at the Huntington Woods Public Library (from 7 to 9 p.m.)
We'll talk about prompts, voice, choosing a topic and how to stand out from the college-bound crowd. Bring paper and a pen, and come prepared to write. (You too, mom and dad!) Participants will receive a free eBook, Wow them With Your College Essay, which provides tips, advice and writing activities to help students master the college essay process.
Kim Lifton is co-founder and co-CEO of Wow Writing Workshop. For more information, go to wowwritingworkshop.com or find us on Facebook.
