With many colleges’ regular decision applications due between January 1 and February 1, holiday break for high school seniors is a good time to put any finishing touches on the college application package—including the essay. CEO and Co-Founder Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center reminds parents that whether the colleges to which their teens are applying require an essay or strongly encourage one—or their teens have chosen to write essays to strengthen their overall application—it is best to take a methodical approach to the writing process. “The application essay gives admissions officers a glimpse of your teen as a student and person and tells them a lot about his or her goals, work ethic, character and more,” Huntington says. “A well-planned, well-thought-out essay can have a tremendously positive impact.”
She offers these six tips for teens working on creating a strong essay over winter break:
Outline essay according to directions | December 16 |
Complete first draft | December 18 |
Set essay aside | December 19 |
Edit | December 20-22 |
Complete second draft | December 23 |
Set essay aside | December 24-26 |
Edit | December 27-28 |
Complete third draft | December 29 |
Set essay aside | December 30 |
Share essay with parent or trusted mentor | December 31-January 7 |
Share draft with a teacher or counselor | January 7 |
Get suggestions back from teacher/counselor | January 11 |
Make final revisions | January 12-14 |
Proof and read through | January 19 |
Essay due to college | January 30 |
Putting the effort into the application essay is certain to be time well spent—and it could mean the difference between a college acceptance and rejection. “Parents and teens need to remember that admissions officers want to get to know the person behind the name on an application,” Huntington says. “Teens should give the essay the careful attention it deserves.”
About Huntington
Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.
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