Discover the Perfect Topic for Your Teen's College Essay

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

It's important to steer clear of certain topics that may hinder your teen's chances of making a strong impression through their essay. Here are a few key points to remember:

1. No Romance, Please: Encourage your child to keep their personal relationships out of their essay. Intimate details of their love life are better left unsaid, as colleges are primarily interested in learning about their character, values, and achievements.
2. Complaining is a No-Go: Remind your teen that the personal statement is not the platform for airing grievances about teachers, curriculum, or a bad grade. There's a separate section in the application to address any exceptional circumstances. Instead, focus on highlighting your child's growth, resilience, and accomplishments.
3. Tread Carefully with Religion and Politics: While these topics were previously discouraged, times are changing. Young individuals are increasingly drawn to political and social issues. If your teen is passionate about expressing their views on these subjects, encourage them to do so tactfully and respectfully. It's crucial to strike a balance between advocacy and avoiding offense.

Unleash Your Teen's Authenticity 

Now that we've covered what to avoid let's explore the boundless possibilities of what your child can write about. The goal is to help them discover their true passions and create an essay that resonates with their unique identity. Here's how to get started:

1. Digging into Passions: Encourage your teen to reflect on their interests and hobbies. Did they find a sense of belonging in the school band, art club, or community service organization? Exploring these experiences and the lessons learned can provide a rich foundation for their essay.
2. Lessons Beyond the Field: For those who haven't been involved in traditional sports, remind them that there are various avenues to showcase their growth and development. Discuss their involvement in non-athletic activities like dance, debate, or even part-time work. These experiences often teach them invaluable life skills, such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
3. Family and Connections: Many students have unique relationships with their family members or close friends that have shaped their identity. Encourage your teen to explore meaningful moments spent with loved ones, emphasizing the lessons learned and the impact those relationships have had on their life choices.
4. Transformative Challenges: Discuss any significant obstacles your child has overcome or personal growth they've experienced. These can include experiences related to mental health, physical challenges, or moments of self-discovery. Encourage them to highlight the resilience and strength they demonstrated while overcoming these obstacles.
5. Travel Tales: If your teen has had the opportunity to explore new cultures, cities, or countries, encourage them to reflect on those experiences. Travel often broadens horizons, exposes individuals to diverse perspectives, and fosters personal growth. These experiences can offer valuable insights to college admissions officers.

The Power of Our Essay Course

Now that your teen has gained clarity on potential essay topics, it's time to take their writing to the next level. Our "How to Write an Awesome College Essay" course is designed to provide students with expert guidance, ensuring their essays stand out from the competition.

By enrolling in our course, your teen will receive comprehensive lessons, interactive exercises, and practical tips that will help them craft a compelling and authentic essay. Additionally, I will personally provide feedback on their essay, ensuring it reflects their unique voice while meeting the expectations of admissions officers.

Remember, the college essay is a crucial component of the application process. It allows your teen to present their true self, highlighting their passions, ambitions, and personal growth. By enrolling in our course, your child will gain the necessary tools to produce an essay they can be proud of.

Parents, I hope this blog post has provided valuable insights into helping your high school student overcome the challenge of choosing the perfect topic for their college essay. By avoiding common pitfalls and guiding them toward their authentic passions and experiences, you're setting them up for success.

To further enhance your teen's essay writing skills, I encourage you to enroll them in our "How to Write an Awesome College Essay" course. With expert guidance and personalized feedback, we'll help your child craft a memorable essay that captivates admissions officers and increases their chances of getting into their dream college.

Don't let your teen miss out on this opportunity to make their application shine. Visit strategicadmissionsadvice.com today and empower your child to share their unique story with the world.

I look forward to assisting your teen on their journey to college success!