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....