Before guidance counselor Jen Landy arrived at Wayzata High School 10 years ago, she had worked in admissions at two Minnesota colleges and read scores of submitted essays. That has helped her to break down the process for anxious high schoolers — and their parents.
It's different from most of the essays the students have been writing in school.
"Students say, 'I can knock out an essay about a book, no problem, but how do I do it about myself?' " she said.
Identifying a topic is the stumbling block that can turn into writer's block. Landy encourages students to get going by thinking about the topic questions for the Common Application.
"I advise them to pick two of the essay prompts that speak to them and create a notebook page for each," she said. "Mull it over and jot down ideas as they bubble up. By the end of a week, most students have identified a topic and will know where to start."
Landy has found that students often overlook allies who are under their own roof.
"It can be good to brainstorm with parents about what to showcase," she said. "When I read an essay that's slim in details, I say, 'How would your mom tell this story?' Parents remember every detail. It feels weird and uncomfortable for students to brag, but for parents it's second nature."
Finally, it sounds like a no-brainer but Landy reminds students to carefully proofread their essays. Spelling, grammar or construction errors can limit the effectiveness of even the most compelling final product.
As for those Common Application prompts to mull over, here are the 2016-2017 essay topics, which are open to creative interpretation.
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma — anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community or family.
Kevyn Burger
