How to Help Your Teen with Their College Essay (Part 1)

The college application process can be overwhelming, not only for students but for parents as well. Among the many tasks your teen must complete, the college essay often stands out as a key component that can significantly impact their admission prospects. Many parents feel unsure of how to assist without overstepping, especially when it comes to brainstorming and shaping ideas for the essay. 

As a parent, you don’t need to write the essay or dictate the direction it should take. However, you play a crucial role in helping your teen brainstorm and reflect on their experiences. This blog will guide you on how to help your teen approach their college essay, focusing on the brainstorming process while encouraging them to be authentic and reflective. With the right approach, you can support your teen in writing an essay that showcases who they truly are.

Understanding the Importance of the College Essay

The college essay is not just another assignment. It’s an opportunity for your teen to share a personal story that showcases their individuality, values, and growth. College admissions officers read thousands of applications, and while transcripts and test scores offer insight into academic performance, the essay is where they get to know the person behind the numbers. A well-crafted essay allows students to demonstrate their unique perspective, character, and potential contributions to a college community.

The essay needs to be a story that is true to your teen—a slice of their life that reveals something meaningful about them. As a parent, your role in brainstorming can help them tap into those authentic stories. 

Tip #1: Help Your Teen See the Essay as a Story

One of the most effective ways to approach the college essay is to treat it as a story. A story is a reflection of a lived experience that reveals something important about the writer. As I often tell my students, the essay should not be an autobiography; instead, it should be a slice of their life—a moment, an experience, or a realization that has shaped who they are today.

Many students fall into the trap of thinking they need to craft an essay that will "wow" admissions officers with how impressive or unique they are. This mindset can lead to stress and inauthentic storytelling. The truth is, that students don’t need to invent anything extraordinary. They simply need to reflect on the experiences they’ve already had and how those experiences have influenced them.

Tip #2: Ask Your Teen Four Essential Questions

Brainstorming can be daunting, especially when students feel pressure to write something meaningful. As a parent, you can help spark ideas by asking your teen a few key questions. These questions can help them reflect on their past, articulate their values, and identify experiences worth exploring in their essay.

Here are four essential questions to ask:

1. What's important to you?

Start by helping your teen identify what truly matters to them. This could be anything from a personal value, a hobby, a cause they care about, or a meaningful relationship. Encourage them to think about what motivates them or what they feel passionate about. If you have some insights into what’s important to them, share your thoughts—sometimes an outside perspective can help them recognize things they may overlook about themselves.

2. What experience or experiences have brought you to this point?

By the time your teen is a high school senior, they’ve lived through 17 or 18 years of experiences. Help them reflect on these years and think about the experiences that have shaped who they are today. These could be moments of growth, challenges they’ve faced, or opportunities they’ve embraced. Encourage them to think about how these experiences connect to the person they are becoming.

3. Who are you becoming?

Growth is a powerful theme in a college essay. College admissions officers aren’t just interested in who students are now, but who they are on the path to becoming. Ask your teen to reflect on their journey of self-discovery and development. How have they changed over the years? What values or traits are they working to cultivate? This can help them frame their essay in a way that shows personal evolution.

4. How does this experience or event fuel your life ambitions?

Lastly, encourage your teen to consider how the experiences they’ve chosen to write about connect to their future goals. Admissions officers want to know what motivates students and how they plan to contribute to the world. By connecting their story to their ambitions, your teen can demonstrate self-awareness and a sense of purpose.

Tip #3: Encourage Authenticity, Not Perfection

Your teen doesn’t need to write an essay that paints them as perfect or extraordinary. They need to be honest. 

Tip #4: Let Your Teen Take the Lead

While it's tempting to guide your teen’s brainstorming session closely, it’s important to remember that the college essay is their opportunity to shine. Your role is to ask thought-provoking questions, offer encouragement, and provide feedback when needed, but ultimately, your teen needs to take ownership of their essay.

Remember: There’s Value in Professional Guidance

Brainstorming and writing a compelling college essay can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for personal growth. As a parent, you play a vital role in helping your teen reflect on their experiences and discover the story they want to tell. 

If you and your teen are still feeling stuck or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. At Strategic Admissions Advice, we specialize in helping students craft authentic and powerful college essays through our How to Write an Awesome College Essay course. This course provides the tools and insights your teen needs to develop a compelling essay that reflects their unique voice and experiences.

Ready to help your teen take the next step in their college journey? Sign up for our How to Write an Awesome College Essay  course today and give your teen the support they need to succeed in the college admissions process!