The 2021-22 Common Application launched yesterday, August 1. Your student can now begin their application for the fall semester of college and part of that application includes a college essay.

According to Chad Hemmelgarn, an English teacher at Bexley High School, in Columbus Ohio, the college essay should be looked at like “a first date”. You’re telling us the stuff that makes you special.” He was speaking as part of a panel at an annual forum in New York sponsored by The College Board.

When you think about it, that’s a great analogy. The college essay is a way for your teen to let the admissions committee get to know them and an opportunity for them to focus on their strengths.

Here are some tips that your teen can use when approaching the essay:

1. Write some sample essays using actual questions from college applications–Look at the actual college applications for those questions and topics.
2. Divide the essays into two categories: Why you? and Why us?–Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you (Why you?); Why are you considering our University (Why us?).
3. Write as many essays as you can for practice–Have them evaluated by a teacher, your parents, and/or your counselor.
4. Do your research if necessary and always answer the question–The college is looking to find something out about you and ascertain how you will be a good fit for their community of students.
5. Think of your essays as a collection – use each to explore a different layer of who you are and how you would enhance the student body.
6. Use an opening hook – start your college essay with something that will capture the admission officer’s attention and show why you stand out.
7. Use details – unsubstantiated statements are quickly dismissed, so be sure to use supporting details to illustrate and elaborate on what you are saying.

Here are some mistakes to watch out for in the essay:

1. DON’T discuss politics or religion, unless you’re coming from an academic perspective – the essays are not the place to take a stand on a personal issue.
2. DON’T tell, show – think hard before you overuse adjectives and adverbs; clearly communicate your strengths without using extraneous language.
3. DON’T focus on what you want to do, but rather on what you have already done – how have you gone above and beyond? What is your scholarly niche?
4. DON’T be a generalist, be a specialist – colleges and universities aren’t looking for well rounded students, they are looking for a well rounded student body. Show them where you stand out and how you complement the mix they are going for.
5. DON’T use “SAT words” – admissions officers are unimpressed by those trying to show off their vocabulary, they much prefer clear, concise essays.
6. DON’T use clichés – clichés are the quickest way to come across as inauthentic and unexceptional.
7. DON’T let your parents write the essay–Admissions counselors can spot those immediately and it’s a good way to have your application put in the “rejection” stack. (Note: Parents, as tempting as it might be, keep your hands off!)

As a parent college coach, it’s your responsibility to guide your teen throughout the application process. Offer encouragement and feedback on their essay content. Help them brainstorm about a topic to use. Encourage them to spend some time thinking about what they want colleges to know about them.