Final Essay: One More Look, Please, Please, Please

Essays: they are going to be the end of me! I'm not sure about this comma, do you think it's OK? My cousin's friend who studies at Penn does not like this essay. Now what? My mom's best friend thought the second half of this essay was a bit generic. What should I do? My bro thinks the essay is cool, but my dad does not like the tone. How to fix it? I know we said this was final, but can we please take a look at this essay all over again?

Have you been hearing a lot of all this off late?

It's that time of year when last-minute essay "panic mode" sets in. You know how it goes: students begin second-guessing themselves after showing their essays to friends, family, teachers, or counselors. Though well-meaning, this feedback often shakes a student's confidence, leading them to believe they need to overhaul their work or even start from scratch. Cue the sigh!

Here are three time-tested strategies that we use in NM Squad to help put students and parents at ease - making them confident in their essays.

1 - Tell Them Clearly Why It Works!

A confidence crisis often arises when students (and their parents) lose sight of what admissions officers truly seek. Frequently, suggested changes stem from individuals who lack a nuanced understanding of admissions priorities and instead project their own preconceived, and often inaccurate, notions of what a college essay "should" entail.

With each review of an essay, we prioritize constructive reinforcement, emphasizing specific elements that are effective. This approach is particularly vital during the final review, as it bolsters the confidence of both students and parents. We ensure our feedback aligns with the primary goal of the application: to demonstrate a candidate's potential for success in college and beyond. Colleges are looking to understand who you are as an applicant, your passion for the field, and your ability to positively contribute to the community.

2 -Give Structured Feedback Mechanism

Ever heard the English saying, "Too many cooks spoil the broth"? Whoever coined it might well have had admissions essays in mind. In our office, while we encourage students to seek external input, we remind them to ultimately follow their own instincts. Instead of asking for vague feedback, we suggest using a targeted checklist to gather meaningful insights:

• What does this essay convey about you? What adjectives come to mind? Is the message impactful within the broader context of your application?
• Mark any grammatical issues or unnecessary content that could be streamlined for clarity.
• Identify any sections where the writing loses momentum. Suggest ways to improve flow and readability to keep the reader engaged.
• Highlight confusing areas with a question mark and comment. This flags sections where the student's perspective may be unclear to the reader, helping ensure context is conveyed effectively.
• Point out any moments where an important question arises yet remains unanswered. This can guide the student to fill in gaps that could enrich the reader's understanding.

When such feedback comes back from multiple readers, be open to discussing them at length with the student in a clear and objective manner.

3 -Identify The Troublemaker

There are freakout kids & there are freakout parents, in every family there is the 'one' freakout person. It's your job as a counselor to identify who this person is and spend quality 1-to-1 time with this person. Most usually they are operating from a point of fear (“She won't get in anywhere”) or from disappointment (“She won't get into something good!").

In your meeting with them, begin by acknowledging their feelings. Listen attentively, without interruption, to show you understand and respect their concerns. Validating their emotions can help them feel both heard and more receptive to your support. Try saying something like, “I know this feels overwhelming, and that's completely normal.” Encourage them to pause and take a few slow, deep breaths to alleviate stress and bring a sense of calm.

Then, break down the path forward into manageable steps to help them approach the challenge one piece at a time. Offer reassurance by recalling previous instances when they or their child successfully navigated similar situations. Lastly, provide a structured, step-by-step plan for tackling the essays and the application process together. This organized approach can instill confidence and make the journey feel more achievable.

Pro Tip: Warn Them To Avoid AI and AI Detection

Amid the hype surrounding AI, students might be tempted to use AI tools to review their essays. However, it's crucial to remind them that AI detection tools can be highly unreliable. Admissions officers are looking for authentic, personal insights, not algorithm-generated content.

Closing Message

As you hit "submit" on your college application, think about the energy you're putting out into the admissions universe. Are you sending a message of confidence, positivity, and authenticity? Admissions officers respond to applications that reflect a sense of calm self-assurance and genuine enthusiasm. Let your application be a reflection of who you are and what you're excited to bring to campus—without any "freak-out" vibes. Trust in the effort you've put in, and send out a positive note that shows you're ready for this next step!