College Essay- Fact or Fiction

I was recently talking with a student about their college essay topic. The student shared that their independent college counselor recommended they volunteer at the Special Olympics or at a food pantry to try to create experiences for their essay.

Let me start by sharing that I am fully in favor of volunteering, especially when it involves experiencing a life different than yours while also providing a service to others. I also understand how these experiences can broaden the perspective of an adolescent which in turn can help shape an essay.

However, I cringe at the idea of engaging in these activities to solely fabricate a college essay. The point of the college essay is to provide a snapshot of your personality and lived experiences, while also demonstrating your ability to communicate through writing. I've worked with 1000's of students and every student has a unique story. Truly every student. Perhaps you did not start a business or volunteer 1500 hours for a local charity, but you have compassion, grit, empathy, wisdom, leadership, responsibility or another personality trait coupled with 1000's of life experiences that will shape a meaningful college essay.

Rather than searching for new experiences or embellishing old experiences, do an archaeological dig into your life and uncover stories and experiences in your life that have shaped who you are today. The strongest essays often include the simplest stories, paired with the strongest connection to values and beliefs.

So before you join a volunteer organization or try a new class in order to augment your college essay, STOP. Instead, spend time reflecting on your values and beliefs. Contemplate what you will offer to the college and brainstorm all the stories, experiences, and situations in your life where these values have shown up.

Working with students to create their college essays is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences. As their college coach, I get to guide students through a journey of self-exploration and self-discovery with the ultimate goal of helping them realize who they are and who they want to be. And at the same time, we often uncover the most amusing and special stories along the way!