College Essay (Common App) "No Bad Ideas" Brainstorm Session

Conducted virtually via Zoom, this offering consists of an hour-long ideation session for 2025 graduates, i.e., seniors applying fall 2024, encompassing a review and interpretation of the Common Application (CA) Essay Prompts, a reading of “essays that worked” from past students and, most importantly, identifying an engaging topic that results in a “can’t put down” personal narrative that feels authentic in tone and point-of-view.

My background in PR, marketing and branding as well as years spent as a fiction and creative non-fiction writing teacher come into play when I look at a student's dossier. The college essay shouldn't be a reiteration of what's already obvious from grades, test scores, teacher recommendations, outside interests, summer experiences, sports achievements, art portfolios and other support materials. Rather, a good essay adds dimension, character and personality to a student’s application.

In this hour, I will help your child get started on the college essay writing process!