TIP: What’s cool to you may not be what’s cool to me, but that’s what makes you super cool. 

TALE: Jensen came to me after having been to another summer essay camp. His resume screamed one thing, but his essay told a different story. The essay was about his community service, summer camp counselor, and a litany of other accolades, but it didn’t allow the reader to really get to know Jensen. When I spoke with him, I Iearned so much more about his interest, passion, and true knowledge about sports. The more I asked, the more he lit up and was happy to share everything he knew about sports announcers, etc. I mean, he knew everything. But that was nowhere to be found. 

During College Essay Bootcamp, we strategized and came up with a way to share his story throughout the application and in a possible interview. Over time Jensen became comfortable with sharing what was cool and unique to him, versus what he believed others wanted to hear.

TRUTH: The only job of the college admissions essays is to clearly and concisely connect the dots for your reader. Who you are, how you are unique and what you love all have to make sense. Figure out what is cool about YOU and stick with that. I promise, it works!