the closer we get to the end of the summer, the higher the anxiety level among seniors

Attention Seniors! As we turn the corner down the end-of-July-stretch many of you can probably almost envision the first day of school – the first day of your last year of high school. For those of you planning to embark on the journey into higher education, a dark cloud is gathering overhead, and ominous reminder of what lies ahead in the next few months: college visits, interviews, requests for recommendations, decisions about where to apply, committing to the top choice school in order to beat some of the college admissions odds, college applications and college essays. And, let’s not forget that the first quarter/semester of the senior year of high school can greatly impact one’s chances for admission. {Read the full post}

College Admissions and Applications Presentation

College Application Essays: Before the Rush Begins, Rising Seniors Should Read Essays by College Presidents

The time has arrived when rising seniors must take on the seemingly daunting tasks of college applications. The common application will be officially available for release on August 1, but the essays are available so students can get a head start. In fact, the best prepared students will begin their essays – especially the personal statement – well ahead of the August 1st launch date.

In the spirit of essay writing and the anxiety they provoke, we thought it appropriate to re-publish Wall Street Journal’s brilliant report from last year in which they asked college presidents to write an essay from their own institution’s application. The colleges represented are Reed College, Barnard College, Wesleyan University, University of Chicago, Carleton College, University of Pennsylvania, Grinnell College, Pomona College and Vassar College.

Most college admissions officers will tell you that in general college applications essay just really are not very good. Much of the writing seems trite, forced, impersonal, wordy, a re-hash of the student’s resume and overall – impersonal. A well written essay can add immense value to a student’s application because it personalizes the student; any essay speaks to the reader and provides insight into the personality of the applicant will add meaning to an application and in turn increase the possibility of admittance.

So how did the Presidents do? Do they pass the test? Do you know them any better after reading their essays than you did before you read them? You be the judge. . .

{Read the full post}