All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

parenting, Uncategorized

Do you see yourself in any of these parenting styles?

 

I heard some new terms the other day to describe parents. These were new terms to me so I did a little research online. Parents have become so involved in their student’s lives they had to coin two more terms to describe parenting styles (the first you most likely heard of before): helicopter parent, snow plow parent, and bulldozer parent. I can’t judge because if I were to be honest, I have exhibited some of the traits each one embodies.

But, seriously, has it become so bad that school administrators (from grade school to college) have to label us? Apparently it has. When it comes right down to it we should realize that this type of behavior only hurts the student. Of course, the student may not see the harm. After all, their parent is rescuing them from difficult situations in life. But in the long run, it hurts their quest for independence and causes strife within the family.

The Helicopter Parent

helicopter parentsA helicopter parent hovers over their child. They keep tabs on their every move, text them 24 hours a day and have tracking apps on their smartphones to keep track of their child’s location at all times. Helicopter parents are ready to swoop in at a moment’s notice to help their child in any situation. Forgot their lunch—they take off at lunch to bring it to them. Forgot to bring a permission slip—they drop everything and bring it to them. Forgot to register for the SAT—no, problem; we’ll pay the late fee. Receive a text or non-emergency call during a meeting—they drop everything to respond. Overslept for school—they write a note to explain the tardiness.

The Snow Plow Parent

The snow plow parent goes beyond the hovering. They clear paths for their children and plow any obstacle that stands in the way of their happiness. Their children never learn how to advocate for themselves and head off to college to get lost in a sea of problems. As they get older, it’s harder for them to resolve conflict and overcome adversity. Honestly, I have to admit I did this with my daughter. The good news—I knew when to stop. The bad news—I did it much too long.

The Bulldozer Parent

A bulldozer parent is one who is involved in their child’s life, especially in school. This type of parent calls the teacher to complain about a grade they feel is undeserved. As their kids get older, they call the admissions office to plead their college-bound teen’s case for admittance. They spend the night in their son’s dorm the first week of college—the entire first week! (Yes, it’s a true story). Bulldozer parents bulldoze their way into their kid’s lives. They want to be friends with their friends. If their kids get into trouble, they are right there waiting to bail them out and make excuses.

How do we stop?

Be honest. Haven’t you been guilty of some of these? As with any problem you have to want to stop. You have to examine your parenting style and decide whether or not you are helping or hindering your kids. And once you determine the problem you should make an effort to correct it. Back off a bit, give your kids some space, and allow them to make mistakes and learn from them.

Always remember that an independent adult will be a functioning adult and a happier adult. You may say now you don’t want them to grow up, but when they are asking for your help at 30 you will be sorry you encouraged they dependence.

 

career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning

5 In-demand college degrees

 

college degree

Soon enough your son or daughter will be off to college so that they can pursue their dreams and professional lives. Job recruiters and college admission officers say that one of the best ways for your child to know what he or she wants to do with their life career-wise is to find out what some of the most in-demand jobs are. It just makes sense to pursue those degrees since jobs after graduation are often difficult to find; if your student has an in-demand college degree they are more likely to get hired.

Here are 5 in-demand degrees for your college kid to consider in 2013.

1. Computer Science

With the rise of digital technology, computer science is one of the most popular degrees in 2013 and will be for the foreseeable future. In fact, over 56% of students who are studying to acquire some sort of computer science degree already have jobs. The need for qualified and diligent programmers and application developers is widespread in almost every business sector. If you want to have a stable, long-term career, computer science is your answer to a satisfying professional life with job security and a potentially large income.

2. Business Administration

Business administration is another degree that is quickly becoming more and more in-demand. During 2013, business administration degrees are seeing a peak, because despite the sluggish economy, businesses need employees that see the big picture and have an overall knowledge of the business environment. Venture funded technology start-ups are popping up with open positions. Many of these companies need qualified business administrators.

3. Accounting

Because the economy is the way it is, accounting is another degree that is seeing a rapid rise in popularity. Either you start your own private accounting firm and work on people’s taxes to find ways for people to save money on their returns, or you work for a government agency to help crack our major multi-trillion dollar deficit. Wherever you end up, a strong knowledge of tax calculators will help. 

Accounting positions are always in demand because every business needs them. It’s also one of the best fields to pursue for continuing education; it’s fairly easy to obtain a bachelors of accounting for working adults.

4. Nursing

Next, nursing degrees are also hugely in-demand. However, it used to be that you could get by with a registered nursing degree or an RN, but now it is recommended that you get your BSN, or a Bachelor’s In Science and Nursing degree. It’s important that you enter an RN to BSN program. Many hospitals across the country are choosing nurses with a BSN over an RN degree. A bachelor’s degree communicates that the person has had more education and is better qualified.

5. Engineering

Lastly, engineering, will make you qualified for a host of jobs that span almost every business sector. If you get your civil engineering degree you can help plan your cities basic infrastructure, from highways to traffic lights and more. Other engineering jobs are widely available in the military, Silicone Valley, the medical field and anywhere else you can think of that needs the advanced thinking of an engineer. An engineer will also help build machines, creative devices, and devise solutions to help us live our lives more efficiently.

test prep, tutoring

Tutoring and Test Prep Resources

1 Comment

 

tutoring test prepThe next SAT dates are approaching–May 4 and June 1. For high school juniors, this is a great time to take the first tests, plan for future fall tests, and study over the summer to improve their score.

There are numerous schools of thought regarding test prep, the number of times to take the SAT/ACT, and whether or not tutoring and test prep helps. My goal–share the available resources and let you and your student decide what works best for you. I’ll even give you a resource for comparing test prep offerings, along with links for articles they have written.

SATHabit

http://www.testive.com/sathabit/

Here’s a post that Tom Rose, the co-founder, wrote about improving your SAT scores.

http://www.parentingforcollege.com/2013/02/19/3-truths-of-raising-your-sat-score/

Bell Curves

http://sat.bellcurves.com/?hp=mp_feat_tests

Here’s a post Akil Bello, the founder of Bell Curves, wrote about evaluating test prep.

http://www.parentingforcollege.com/2011/01/17/evaluating-test-prep/

Elizabeth King

http://elizabethonline.com/

Here’s a post Elizabeth King, author of Outsmarting the SAT, wrote about her technique.

http://www.parentingforcollege.com/2010/01/11/outsmarting-the-sat/

WordNerd

http://word-nerd.com

Here’s a post written by Jenn Cohen, creator of word-nerd.com, about creating an SAT study plan.

http://www.parentingforcollege.com/2010/03/19/creating-an-sat-study-plan/

VeritasPrep

www.veritasprep.com/sat.

Here’s a post by Veritas Prep about the things students can do to boost their SAT scores.

http://www.parentingforcollege.com/2012/10/22/sat-prep-crunch-time-veritas-prep-outlines-5-things-students-can-do-now-to-boost-their-sat-score/

InstaEDU

http://instaedu.com

Here’s a post about their anywhere/anytime SAT tutoring service.

http://www.parentingforcollege.com/2013/03/08/instaedu-online-tutors-anytime-anywhere/

Jenn Cohen Tutoring

http://www.satprepforadhd.com/

Here’s a post Jenn wrote about finding the best test for ADHD students.

http://www.parentingforcollege.com/2012/03/07/adhd-and-the-act-why-the-act-may-be-a-smarter-choice-for-adhd-students/

Quincy Tutoring

http://quincytutoring.com/

Here’s a post written by Eric Clark, founder of Quincy Tutoring, about how to determine whether or not your student needs a tutor.

http://www.parentingforcollege.com/2011/06/01/tutoring/

Varsity Tutors

http://www.varsitytutors.com/practice-tests

Here’s a post by the founder Chuck Cohen for Galtime about comparing the ACT and SAT.

http://galtime.com/article/parenting/21097/53630/act-vs-sat-everything-you-need-know#axzz2M48qSGgN

Prepped and Polished

http://www.varsitytutors.com/practice-tests

Here’s a video blog post by Alexis Avila, the founder, about test prep the night and morning before the SAT.

http://preppedandpolished.com/24-hrs-until-the-sat/

FindTheBest

http://test-prep.findthebest.com

This site allows you to compare the various offerings of some of the major test prep courses (cost, duration, online/offline).

Shop wisely because not all test prep programs deliver results. However, I can personally recommend all of the tutors I have listed above. Check them out first.

Parliament Tutors

http://www.parliamenttutors.com

Parliament Tutors offers private tutoring and test prep for all academic subjects and standardized tests from New York to Los Angeles and everywhere in-between: K-12, Math Tutors, SAT prep, ACT, LSAT, GMAT prep, GRE tutoring & more.

college costs, financial aid, student loans

Taking on student loans the smart way

 

Student loansThe May 1st college deadline is quickly approaching and parents and students are making decisions about financial aid packages. Most likely, those packages will include some form of student loans–either Stafford or Perkins. Colleges also provide parents and students with private loan options to supplement the government aid when necessary.

No one wants to graduate from college loaded with debt, yet 60 percent of college students and their families borrow money each year to cover ever-rising tuition and fees, according to American Student Assistance. That’s because the average private college charges close to $40,000 a year for tuition, fees, room and board, while state universities average just over $17,000 a year. Out-of-state students at public four-year schools fall halfway between those costs, averaging just under $30,000 for the 2011-2012 school year, cited US News & World Report.

Financial aid — merit-based and need-based scholarships, grants, work-study programs and loans — has become a reality for the majority of college students.

A New Way of Life

The process of finding aid begins with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine expected family contribution (EFC) based on family income and expenses. There are 63 universities in the U.S. that claim to meet 100 percent of students’ financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. The cold hard truth is that the majority of students don’t attend these colleges and will need some form of financial aid.

Protect Yourself

While working through the process of acquiring funding for college, remain mindful of identity protection. Your soon-to-be college student can be especially vulnerable to identity theft because his or her personal data is easily accessible through grade postings, credit card applications and online transactions, according to the Dept. of Education.

Here are some ways to protect the identity of your student:

  • After completing the FAFSA, log off the page and close your browser.
  • Don’t use paid financial aid services that operate over the Internet or by telephone. The Department of Education offers its services for free and pages containing your private information are password-protected.
  • Do not reveal the FAFSA personal identification number (PIN) to anyone, even if that person is helping you fill out the form. The only time you should use your PIN is on secure websites.
  • Shred receipts and copies of documents with student identity information if they are no longer needed.
  • Review financial aid award documents and keep track of the amount of student aid applied for and awarded.
  • Make sure your student reports all lost or stolen identification (such as your student ID card) immediately.

Forgiveness

When your child graduates, the payoff amount on the loan may seem crushing. But your child has options: student loans, especially those connected to postgraduate professional education, sometimes can be paid off through public service. In 2007, Congress created the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to encourage individuals to work full-time in public service jobs. Borrowers who have made at least 120 payments on eligible federal student loans may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance while employed full-time by certain public service employers, according to StudentAid.gov.

If public service isn’t an option, loan repayments can be accomplished more easily by paying off private student loans before paying off federal loans.

Be Smart

Only borrow what you can afford to repay. There are numerous sites that provide student loan repayment calculators. Know your options before you borrow and educate yourself on student loan repayment. Research salaries for your career choice and always estimate using entry-level figures.

 

campus security, parenting

MIT got it right

 

If you’re a parent of a college-bound teen you’ve been watching the Boston Bombings and subsequent manhunt in “parental mode”. Quite simply, you are wondering in your student will be safe at college and what would happen if they are caught up in a similar situation at the college of their choice.

I can’t stress enough the importance of researching the college’s emergency procedures–before you sign on the dotted line accepting admission. The May 1 deadline is approaching so it bears repeating that colleges are responsible for your student’s safety and they should have policies in effect to protect your student while on campus.

MIT got it right last week during the acts that occurred on their campus related to the Boston terror suspect manhunt. They have an emergency website dedicated to notifying the student body of imminent danger.

MIT Alert Page

MIT shooting

On this page you can sign up for email alerts and, more importantly, text alerts. Students always have their cellphones with them and this function should be available to all students on all campuses.

When the shooting of the MIT police officer occurred, administration immediately sent out an alert to students to stay away from the area. They also notified students there would be more updates to follow.

These 48 hours of tension among the Boston community and their heavy college student population serve to impress upon parents and students the importance of their college’s emergency notification system.

Heed this warning if you’re concerned about the safety of your college student. Do the research and find out what type of emergency procedures and guidelines are in effect. It will provide you with peace of mind and help you sleep a little easier at night.

 

 

college guidance, parenting, Uncategorized

What to do when your college student’s grades drop

1 Comment

 

college gradesWhen kids are in grade school, junior high, or even high school, parents have a great deal of influence when it comes to grades. For one thing, you have the ability to offer or deny rewards based on performance, including allowance, gifts, or even activities like slumber parties, trips, and so on. But you can also levy punishments for poor grades that include grounding kids, removing privileges, or taking away their toys (including video games and cell phones). And of course, they live in your home, so you can sit with them from the time they get out of class until they go to bed if that’s what it takes to ensure that they get their homework done. You can also call their teachers or even embarrass them by showing up for their classes to make sure that they’re paying attention instead of goofing off (chances are you’ll only have to use this tactic once in order to turn it into an effective threat). In short, you have many tricks up your sleeve to ensure that your kids work hard to get the good grades they’ll need for admission to their college of choice. But what can you do to keep them at peak performance once they fly the coop, head for campus and your college student’s grades drop?

Money talks

While you might not think that any of your old strategies will work once your kids head off to college, the truth is that you probably have a lot more sway than you imagine. This is particularly true if you happen to be paying for a significant portion of your students’ expenses. There’s nothing that says you have to put your kids through college, although of course, most parents want to ensure that their children have the best possible education and prospects for the future. The point is that college is a privilege, not a right, and it’s one that your students have to earn. So you should make the terms of your contributions conditional. Even though your kids might not be footing the tab for their time in school, they have to hold up their end of the bargain by receiving at least passing grades. Otherwise they’re throwing your money away.

Outline the rules and guidelines

What you need to do is enter into an agreement with the college-age kids in your household before they leave for school. If they want to have fun and waste time while they’re on campus, focusing on socializing rather than studying, make it clear that they can pay their own way. But if they’re willing to work hard for a degree and maintain a certain GPA, you should definitely do what you can to help them. Now, this is not to say that you shouldn’t give them a little leeway. One bad grade doesn’t necessarily mean they’re slacking – it could just be a particularly hard teacher or class.

Use tough love

However, should your students persistently suffer from poor grades, chances are good that they’re either clowning around when they should be studying or they’re simply not ready for the demands of a college schedule. In this case it might be time to cut them off financially or demand that they move home and attend a local college (where you can keep an eye on them) until they’re back on track with their grades. Further pursuit of education, such asHarvard Law or  a USF MPA online, means they need to make their studies the main focus of their time in school. And if they simply aren’t getting the grades needed to graduate, you might have to draw a line in the sand on your end so that they learn a valuable lesson about decisions and consequences now, instead of later in life when you’re not there to catch them and set them back on their feet. Learning this lesson before grad school or permanent employment is much easier while they have your support in college.

career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning, college transfer

Transferring colleges

 

transferring collegesIt can be very difficult for students to choose the school that is going to offer them the best chance for future happiness and career success. And even with the input of parents, counselors, and peers, students occasionally discover that they’ve made the wrong decision and ended up at a college that really can’t offer them the program or coursework they need to get where they want to go. Plenty of students also change their minds about what they want to do after they’ve had a chance to take a few classes and see what their dream job actually entails. Then there are issues like cost and location that may lead students to seek an education at another institution. And many students go from community college to a 4-year institution. There are any number of reasons why students might consider transferring colleges. Here are a few things to consider when helping them make the transition.

Search for acceptable alternatives

In truth, there is little difference between applying for college initially and transferring to a new school except that you’ll need to get more transcripts sent. So the first thing you and your student should do is start looking for acceptable alternatives. The nice thing is that you’ve been through the process once before so you should have a better idea of how to get started, such as by reading reviews and seeking out schools that offer the type of program your student is interested in. If the major study hasn’t changed, you may even be able to repurpose some research on schools that didn’t make the cut the first time around but came in as second- or third-place options. However, if your student is considering a new major, you’ll simply have to begin again with schools that meet the new criteria.

Determine if current credits will transfer

Of course, there may be a few snags to contend with. On the upside, your student has likely completed some credits, which means he/she should have an easier time gaining admittance to a new school. This is especially true of students entering a new institution as juniors with their general education units completed, not to mention those who have managed to earn a high GPA thus far. However, you could definitely face some problems when it comes to transferring those credits. Although most accredited institutions will accept college credit from other such schools, an apples-to-apple transfer is not always possible.

For example, students going from a semester to quarter system, or vice versa, can face problems based on the number of units granted per class. And certain courses may not have an equivalent at a new school, rendering them virtually useless. Plus, every school is bound to have different requirements concerning prerequisites for specific majors. So you should address this issue right off the bat in order to find a school that will offer your student the best opportunity to continue along an educational path rather than having to backpedal and make up units.

Take a look at financial aid

If your student is receiving financial aid via merit scholarships from their current college they will lose that money if they transfer. Transferring students rarely receive any type of merit aid. Do your research and determine whether or not the new college will provide merit aid to your student, even though they are transferring. This might be a strong case to reconsider staying at the current college and finding a way to make it work.

Whether your student is interested in Ivy League institutions like Duke or Brown, state schools like UCLA or the University of Cincinatti, or even technical colleges, transferring colleges can be a trial. But with proper planning and attention to detail you can help to ensure that your kids find that right schools for their wants and needs, even if they’re already on the collegiate path somewhere else.

parenting, Uncategorized

Creating a college care package

 

care packageIf you think sending your kids off to college is stressful, just think how your students must feel, alone and solely responsible for themselves for the first time in their lives. While they can always call you up for advice, and you’re no doubt helping immensely on the financial end, the truth is that they will have to make their own decisions, and live with the consequences (or hopefully, reap the rewards of their good choices). And if you’ve done a good job raising them they should be able to face their conundrums head on and do the right thing. But still, they will likely be pulled in many directions, what with a demanding schedule of classes and studying, peer pressure to socialize, and any number of other obligations to attend to, such as clubs, Greek life, internships, and for many, a job. This can raise the stress level of the average freshman sky high. So when you start to hear that tremor in the voice that tells you a breakdown is imminent, here are just a few things you may want to throw in a college care package and ship off immediately.

Send a little piece of home

In addition to the other stressors college freshman face, many are beset by homesickness. They might not admit it, considering how gung-ho they were to get out of the house in the first place, but they’ll be missing your cooking, their own bed, and of course, you. Anyone striking out on their own for the first time is bound to miss the comfort and familiarity of home. So the first thing you might want to include in your care package is something you’ll know your college freshman has been missing. Perhaps you could mix up a batch of cookies, brownies, or another favorite baked good. You can’t exactly send frozen lasagna by freight and expect it to keep, but with proper packing your baked goods will certainly hold up for the couple of days it will take them to get from point A to point B. As a bonus, this type of care package will make your student a hit with peers.

Add a personal item

Next you should think about adding a personal item that your student may have left behind, something comforting like favorite quilt that family members use when they’re ill, or an old sweatshirt that has smells like home thanks to recent laundering. When your student is feeling alone and the pressures associated with schooling are high, getting an item like this unexpectedly can provide a welcome dose of familiarity that brings with it a sense of comfort and calm. Just knowing that someone is thinking about you and that they know just what you need to feel better can have an incredibly therapeutic effect, so don’t hesitate to forward a care package that includes one or two personal items.

Surprise them with an unexpected gift

Of course, you could go the extra mile by including a few new items for the sake of diversion. For example, you might pick up a new DVD or video game release that you think your student will enjoy as a way for him/her to blow off some steam. Or if there’s a band you both enjoy, create an MP3 mix and send it on disc. You could even include an iTunes or Amazon gift card. You might also add bath products or pre-packaged snack foods (healthy options, of course), which college students are always in need of. And don’t forget a long letter telling your student about everything that’s happening at home.

Whether your freshman is at Columbia, Northwestern, Boston University or Marylhurst University, the stress is bound to be high. So take your time and put together a college care package that is sure to bring with it the comfort that only a parent can provide. It’s the best way to ensure a happy, healthy student.

college majors, college planning, parenting

To transfer or not to transfer-that is the question

 

transferring collegesParents often have to make tough decisions where their kids are concerned. And while you want the best for your child, and that desire influences your every choice, even you have to admit that you don’t always choose correctly – parents are just people trying to do the best they can! At some point you’re going to have to let your teen take the reins and make his own decisions, even if you think he’s making a huge mistake. But as a parent it’s still your job to help him in any way you can. While you might not exert the same influence over a teenager as you did over a toddler, your opinion still matters. So when it comes to ensuring that your child end up at the right institution of higher learning, the one that will help him to maximize his potential and prepare for a successful and fulfilling career, the onus is on you, to some degree, to make sure he has all the facts needed to make an informed decision about his future.

Even with all your input and exhaustive research, he could end up at the wrong college with the wrong major. Here are just a few things to consider when determining whether your kid is at the right college or if he’s in need of transfer to a more suitable school.

What are the reasons?

There are plenty of reasons why a college might not end up being the best choice for any given student, but when it comes to your child you want to be sure. After all, this can be a fairly costly mistake, what with the complications inherent in transferring to a new school. As a parent, your job in this situation is to determine whether your college student is truly miserable and misplaced at his current campus or if he is simply making a mountain out of a molehill when it comes to complaints about his current situation.

Have your student’s interests changed?

You and your student will no doubt put a lot of time, effort, and deliberation into selecting the appropriate college. But things don’t always turn out like you hope. Even with the help of a comprehensive ranking system, information from school advisors, and visits to college campuses, your student may eventually discover that the school he has settled on isn’t what he wants, for one reason or another. Perhaps he’s looking for practical studies and it turns out that the program for his major is largely theoretical, analytical, or historical in nature, just for example. He may decide partway through that he wants to change his major to something that his school of choice doesn’t specialize in or that it isn’t highly ranked in, at any rate (this is more common than you might imagine). So if it turns out that your student went for a major in contract law when what he really wanted was an urban planning career degree, discuss this change with him and determine the financial consequences of his change of interest and/or passion.

Is this a rash decision?

It could be that your student has selected a campus that is far away and the homesickness is too much for him to handle on top of all the other stresses of entering college. If your college student asks to transfer, tread lightly. It could be more than the wrong educational choice. It could be homesickness, not fitting in, or even the feeling that they are overwhelmed. Make sure it’s not a temporary response to stress. Encourage them to finish out the semester and then make a well-informed decision.

If he discovers that the courses offered aren’t going to help him to get the knowledge and skills needed for his career of choice, then perhaps you should consider supporting his move to another school that can meet his needs. A happy student is a successful student.

 

college guidance, college planning, essays

5 Topics to avoid in the college application essay

 

college application esayYou will no doubt play some role in helping your teens to select topics for their college application essays, and it’s never easy to determine what a selection committee will find compelling. There are fine lines that students must be careful not to cross. For example, they want to write an essay that is dramatic and engaging, but they don’t want to push it into the realm of the unbelievable. And they may want to discuss events in their lives that have helped to shape them into the young adults they are, but it can be difficult not only to choose such an event, but also to determine if it’s revealing enough, or for that matter, too much.

There’s a reason why schools require students to include essays, and it’s not just to see a sample of their writing ability. With thousands of applicants sporting similar qualifications and too few spots to accommodate them, something has to tip the scales, and it just might be the essay section. Picking the wrong one could mean getting a rejection letter. So here are just a few topics that students may want to steer clear of.

  1. Controversial subjects. It can be tempting to discuss attention-grabbing hot topics like gay marriage, abortion, war, drug use, and so on, but doing so can have consequences. If such topics have had a direct influence on your kids, helping to shape their lives and career goals in some way, then they might be relevant and compelling choices for an essay. But controversial topics are contentious for a reason. And while some on a review board may applaud such a choice of essay, others might not find it appropriate for students entering their institution, even if it catches their attention.
  2. Weaknesses. Overcoming one’s failings is noteworthy, to be sure, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it makes for a good essay topic. A “poor me” attitude will not appeal to those determining a student’s acceptance. If they have turned a weakness into a strength, or developed a strong sense of self and purpose through struggles, they could write about it. But they must find a way to make it sound positive and display some humility in the process.
  3. Depression and self-harm. Schools are extremely cognizant of the damage that can be done to their reputation by students that are unable to deal with the pressures and demands of college. So don’t let your kids supply them with any ammo that could make them think your students are unfit to study on their campus. Even an essay about overcoming such struggles could raise red flags.
  4. Short-term philanthropy. It’s great that the students in your household volunteered at a soup kitchen one Thanksgiving or went with the family to build a home for habitat for humanity, but if they’re going to do an essay about how they helped others and what it has done to change them on a personal level, they’re going to have to get a little more in-depth. A personal essay needs to be about the student, not a singular event. It needs to tell the application committee who they are and what they value. So if altruism is a cornerstone of their belief system and they’ve participated in ongoing efforts of some sort, then an essay on the topic may be appropriate. If not, it could come across as juvenile, immature, and unsympathetic.
  5. Generics. Whether your students are looking to attend a state college or NEC’s School of Graduate and Professional studies, they need to write an essay that conveys something unique about them. For this reason it’s best to stay away from topics that are too generic. What this means, in general, is that they need to write about something real and immediate. Any topic can be relevant if it tells readers something about the student. For example, two students could write about the death of a sibling, but one might merely relate events while the other discusses how the occurrence made him question his faith or retreat from his family and friends, only to realize how much he needed them. Admissions committees want to know something true about the character and core values of a student. So the topic is really of little consequence so long as the essay is honest, personal, and illuminating in some way.

The best tip: the college needs to know something about your student that isn’t included in the college application. Use this opportunity to shine.