College
Planning
Steps
Imagine a blank piece of paper... filling in the story begins by defining the characters and making them memorable
The essay process involves:
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Planning high school classes and summer programs
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Preparing for the ACT writing section and standardized test prep
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Creating the resume of activities, community service, and work
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Practicing for interviews with admissions and alumni representatives
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Developing the college list and application strategies
Photograph Credit to Paul Boisvert for The Chronicle of Higher Education, April, 2007
Why Have an Essay Coach for Prep School, College, and
Grad School?
My Four-Step
Methodology:
One-on-one guidance and a fresh, professional perspective to help organize the student's thoughts in a structural framework to write college essays, prepare for the ACT essay and standardized tests, and practice admissions/alumni interview prep.
Step 1: Piece of Paper
The blank sheet of paper with a question asks you to write something interesting about yourself.
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How do you feel about getting started to write your college essay? Is this an opportunity to reflect your creativity and shine, or a dreaded chore? The truth is, the essay represents your last chance to significantly improve your chances of getting into your first-choice school.
Step 3: The Outline
Developing the outline for your essay helps your organize your ideas to tell a story. The outline is a fast and easy way to get your thoughts on paper. It is important for you to feel that you are starting to make immediate progress towards writing your essay.
In fact, I refer to the outline as "talking points" that intersect talking and writing.
Step 2: The Big Idea
When you go to a restaurant and the menu has too many choices, do you become overwhelmed and tend to order exactly what you selected before (“I’ll have the usual”), or do you pause and think about something that captures your attention and try something new? Similarly, when selecting a topic to write about, think of it as your chance to illustrate a BIG idea.
Step 4: The Essay
Writing your essay helps you give personality and meaning to your BIG idea, which answers the essay question. However, your BIG idea can not stand alone without a structure that supports the main purpose. All supporting elements should be persuasive and focused in illustrating your thoughts.
