College and Scholarship Essays!

You guys! If you haven't started (and maybe even finished) your college application essays...

IT IS TIME! 

I know it can be hard to write about yourself and share your thoughts, feelings and experiences with total strangers. But it can be the MOST POWERFUL part of your application. Sure, grades and test scores matter but most colleges want to get to know YOU as a person with a story...not just the numbers and letters on your transcript! Your essay really is an opportunity for the people in admissions to learn more about WHY they should admit YOU to their college. 

Carve out some time over Thanksgiving Break to work on essays! 

TAKE A CHANCE! 

Be yourself! Make sure your essay 'sounds' like you. Just like you want people to be REAL with you, being REAL in your essay makes a difference! 

Start NOW! Select one of your essay topics. Set your timer for 30 minutes and just brainstorm. Write/type EVERYTHING that comes to mind...even if it's takis! I mean, try to stay focused on the topic and write any and everything that comes to mind. You may come across an idea or direction you weren't expecting BUT that will make an awesome essay! And remember, no one has to EVER see your brainstorming document. 

Check out the links below for some great tips on writing your BEST college essay! There are some video clips too. 

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/8-tips-for-crafting-your-best-college-essay

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/tips-for-writing-an-effective-application-essay-college-admissions

Hey, Juniors! What time is it?!

COLLEGE TIME! 

I know you have a lot going on RIGHT NOW and it may be hard to make time to think about college...but let's start the process. 

Believe me, it'll save you some stress next year. Just as your current Senior friends!

This should be a fun process as you explore your opportunities. I know most of you have some great ideas about where you'd like to go and what you'd like to do (I'm super impressed, by the way). There are SO many options out there though. Take a few minutes to answer some questions and see if you learn anything new! 

Click here to get a few recommendations just for you!
Try this link too for some other ideas! 

Take some time each week to research colleges and post-secondary training programs near and far. Make sure you keep track of what you find. I'd start a google doc/sheet where you can save school names, weblink and other important information. Maybe rank schools you've researched on a scale of 1-5 starts. Be creative! Whatever works for you! 

Check out these tips for building your college list. Now is the time to brainstorm so write ALL of your ideas down. Want to go to college in a far away state or even another country? Want to go to Stanford but aren't sure how to make it happen?

WRITE IT DOWN! 

When I see you next, I'll want to see your brainstorm list of colleges and post-secondary programs you'll consider. Fill up a page and HAVE FUN EXPLORING!