The college essay is one of the most important and sometimes daunting tasks a student must undertake in their college application. Students are expected to write their college essays alone, but not unsupported. The open-ended nature of the requirements mixed with the high pressure placed upon the essays present the perfect conditions for writer’s block.
My approach to supporting students writing their college essays is to first address this writers block. I provide creative writing prompts and write to them with the students to lessen the sense of vulnerability. We then talk about what worked in their initial writing, what strong images and arguments they have come up with. Often times it is at the end of our first meeting when I see the spark— they have found the story they want to tell.
Students are then sent home with a renewed sense of confidence and an idea they believe in. At this point, some students may feel they no longer need help. Others will want to share a draft with me and continue working together. If a student realizes their initial idea does not work, we repeat the creative writing process and discuss new possibilities. Typically, students are able to leave with a completed college essay within 1 to 2 meetings.
Glynis Jones 