Embracing diversity: writing college application essays in a post-2023 SCOTUS decision landscape

Parents and students alike may wonder why it's so hard to sit down and write college application essays. After helping scores of students accomplish this task, I have gained some important insights into this matter. Typically, the first application essay that students write is the personal essay for the Common App. This is likely the first time students have written about personal issues for absolute strangers, and to make matters more stressful, these are not just any strangers: these are admission counselors who stand between each student and his or her dream college. Faced with a task that makes them feel vulnerable, many students freeze. Suddenly, they can't imagine anything has happened in their lives that would be important enough to send to a college. So first and foremost, I reassure students that everyday experiences are actually great material for this type of essay. Last year, I worked with a teenage boy who had dreams of becoming an engineer. He had interned the past summer at a medical design company, and when I asked him if anything had happened there that was worth writing about, he shrugged and told me “not much.” He added that he had worked on a design that the engineers had rejected as being impractical to build because of its expense. So I gently probed a bit more, reassuring him that it was an impressive feat for a high school student to actually create a design that worked. This positive feedback helped him reveal more details. It turned out that he had been promised the opportunity to work with a team of engineers and participate in designing a product. Upon his arrival, the boss wanted him to read articles about product design and do online market research about the medical industry, but didn’t set him up to participate in any real design work. After a week of sitting in a room by himself, the student had a feeling he’d been forgotten and might need to remind the boss of his existence! In telling me the story the first time, he remembered only his uncertainty and anxiety about how to handle the situation and felt embarrassed about it. But as we chatted, he realized that this situation had challenged him in a new and important way. This wasn’t like high school with teachers keeping an eye on you; this was a professional work situation and he needed to take initiative himself if he wanted change. Although it took a few days of working up his nerve, he approached his boss and asked if it might be time for him to join a design team. His boss immediately apologized and assigned him to a group of engineers. The student finally realized he had great material for a personal essay that highlighted his ability to problem solve, determination to succeed, and courage to take on a challenge - all qualities colleges want to see in their incoming students. This student ended up attending Cornell. Writing this personal essay often becomes a transformative experience. Students not only see that they have the inner power to write a compelling narrative, they also gain confidence as they discover hidden strengths they didn't even know they had!

The supplemental essay that students struggle with the most is, "Why do you want to attend our college?" Left to their own devices, students tend to offer reasons that could apply to any school, basically writing a generic form letter. I help them understand that colleges are seeking students that have done background research on their particular school and resonate with its unique attributes. I show students how to search the school website looking for courses, programs, professors, research and internship opportunities that capture their interest. This type of essay lets colleges know that the student is truly invested in attending. Supplemental essay prompts also elicit answers to why a student has chosen a particular major. Schools want to know what drives the student’s interests and what kind of success they’ve already had in those fields. A common question might look like this: “Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?” This type of question can be challenging if the student has only recently chosen this area of interest, but even those with a background in the field can fail to recognize the value of their actions. In one case, I worked with a student who felt ashamed of experiences that actually demonstrated her strengths! She wanted to major in business and was struggling to find a “good” topic when I learned that she was an international fashion model. Eventually, she confided her concern that colleges might adversely judge her for participating in a “superficial” endeavor. As I listened to her story, I helped her understand the treasure trove of topics embedded in her modeling career that would underscore her strengths. Because of her three years spent modeling, she had already successfully held down a job in a highly competitive adult world. She had acted in a highly responsible way, always being on time for job interviews and modeling shoots, and always acting in a professional manner. No one ever knew she was a teenager unless she told them. Considering she planned to pursue a business major, her ability to not only survive but thrive in this environment would likely work in her favor. Once she understood how her modeling career highlighted her communication skills and her maturity, she wrote an amazing essay. This student ended up attending NYU. Accurately understanding each supplemental essay prompt and addressing it with relevant information is probably the biggest hurdle for students to overcome. Then comes the next hurdle: putting it all into words. For this step, I offer tips for creating a narrative that is narrowly focused with no extraneous details. Then I explain how to insert insights that help admissions counselors gain a better understanding of why this individual would be a great addition to their particular university.

Since immigrating to the United States, our journey through the American education system has been unfamiliar and challenging. With limited knowledge of adolescent psychology and the intricacies of the education system, we sought a counselor who could bridge the cultural gap and provide comprehensive guidance for our children's higher education. It is with great appreciation and respect that we have entrusted this crucial role to the exceptional and proficient Mrs. Jenny Wan. Under Jenny's professional guidance, our youngest son successfully gained admission to a prestigious private middle school in Boston in 2022. More recently, our eldest daughter received an acceptance letter from her top-choice university through Early Decision. The impact of Jenny's dedication and support has been transformative. Jenny has been tutoring our eldest daughter since the tenth grade, especially during the challenging period of online learning due to the pandemic. With regular communication, she supervised our daughter's daily studies, assisted in planning extracurricular activities, and provided gradual guidance for university applications. Throughout this process, we observed a remarkable transformation in our daughter. She developed a deeper appreciation for learning and further education, cultivating a strong sense of self-motivation and determination. Overcoming challenges became second nature to her, resulting in increased confidence and resilience. Jenny's positive energy, compassionate listening, and persuasive guidance contributed to our daughter's growing sense of optimism, fostering open and peaceful discussions between our family members about planning and college selection. In the tenth grade, as our eldest daughter began planning her college applications, Jenny identified her interests in education and economics. Jenny meticulously crafted a two-year plan, outlining course selection, extracurricular activities, and summer engagements. Under Jenny's guidance, our daughter participated in educational psychology courses offered by Brown University, completed online microeconomics AP courses, organized a children's summer camp, engaged in chess training, volunteered with the Best Buddy organization, completed early education and practical courses with assistant teacher certification, and participated in Cornell University's economics summer program. Through Jenny's systematic and targeted planning, our daughter not only acquired knowledge and practical experience in education and economics but also developed unique personal qualities and life experiences that enriched her university application. For our youngest son, who was applying to private middle school upon completion of the sixth grade, Jenny's guidance began early in his academic journey. The application process, including paperwork and interviews, was entirely new territory for our 12-year-old son and us as parents. However, Jenny provided unwavering support, coaching us step-by-step, word by word, throughout the entire process. She helped our son recognize his strengths and directed his efforts toward effective interview preparation. Thanks to Jenny's guidance, our son's self-confidence and interview skills have flourished. A crucial aspect of our youngest son's application process has been the interviews with school admissions officers. For a 12-year-old, this presented a significant challenge. To alleviate tension and ensure preparedness, Jenny conducted rehearsals with our son, emulating the characteristics of each school he would interview with. These sessions improved his familiarity with the schools and his interview experience. As a result of Jenny's effective guidance, our son successfully completed interviews with seven schools, receiving positive feedback and high praise for his performance. Jenny's deep understanding of both Chinese and American cultures, coupled with her insight into the psychological development and value systems of American students, has proven invaluable. Throughout our three-year relationship, we as parents have gained a new perspective on our children's development, relinquishing unrealistic expectations and gaining a better understanding of their growth needs. With Jenny's guidance, constructive exchanges, and mutual respect, we have achieved smooth consensuses on significant issues. In addition to her vast knowledge, information, and impartial decision-making abilities, Jenny possesses exceptional communication skills. She adeptly analyzes problems and provides guidance and solutions while considering the perspectives and opinions of others. When diverging views arise, Jenny demonstrates remarkable wisdom and emotional intelligence by proposing alternative approaches that honor the principles involved. As a result, decisions made collectively by students, parents, and Jenny resonate and are seamlessly implemented, yielding highly satisfactory outcomes. With sincere gratitude, we acknowledge Jenny's instrumental role in our children's success. The profound impact of her expertise, meticulous guidance, and compassionate support has empowered our children to reach new heights. We are forever grateful for her unwavering commitment to their long-term happiness and development. With warm regards, Wang Family, Massachusetts

Dear Jenny, Today marks an important milestone as Ravenna reveals that most schools have received all the application materials. With great joy, we can say that our son's high school application journey has come to a successful close. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, step-by-step guidance, and meticulous editorial assistance over the past three months. Without your expertise and patient cooperation, this achievement would not have been possible. We would like to express our sincerest thanks and utmost respect for your professional guidance throughout this process. Your dedication and commitment to our son's success have been truly remarkable. The countless hours you devoted to providing individualized guidance and ensuring the quality of each application document have made a significant impact. The entire school application journey has profoundly enlightened Evan about the path he wishes to pursue in the future. Your guidance has instilled in him the importance of perseverance and the value of taking steady steps towards his goals. As we move forward, we anticipate the need for your continued support and guidance to help Evan further excel and grow. With heartfelt appreciation and warm regards, Evan's parents, Massachusetts

Jenny is an exceptional and devoted counselor whose unwavering guidance has been instrumental in every step of my application process. Her passion, expertise, and commitment have played a pivotal role in my successful journey toward acceptance into my dream programs at Harvard. From the very beginning, Jenny displayed a genuine interest in understanding my interests and goals. Her extensive knowledge and dedication enabled her to provide invaluable insights, helping me curate a list of master's and Ph.D. programs that perfectly aligned with my aspirations. Through our discussions, Jenny's enthusiasm and genuine care fueled my motivation and empowered me to pursue programs that truly resonated with my ambitions. Jenny's meticulous attention to detail extended beyond program recommendations. She took the time to thoroughly analyze my coursework and research experiences, recognizing the unique strengths and qualities that set me apart. With her guidance, I was able to effectively highlight these attributes in my applications, allowing my true potential to shine through. One area where Jenny's expertise truly stood out was in the crafting of my application essays. When I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about how to structure my statements, Jenny's exceptional guidance helped me find my voice. Her ability to understand my personal interests and experiences allowed us to create compelling essays that captured the essence of who I am as an individual. Jenny's dedication to tailoring the essays to my background and passions was evident in her thoughtful suggestions and unwavering support. Moreover, Jenny's invaluable advice and support extended to interview preparation. With her guidance, I felt well-prepared and confident in showcasing my abilities and aspirations during these crucial interactions. Her insights and practice sessions provided me with the necessary skills to make a lasting impression. Throughout the entire process, Jenny's accessibility and responsiveness have been remarkable. She consistently demonstrated her commitment to my success by promptly addressing any questions or concerns that arose. Her attention to detail and unwavering support made the application process seamless and organized. I am filled with profound gratitude for Jenny's guidance, which played a pivotal role in my acceptance into my dream programs at Harvard. Her passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication have truly empowered me for success. I am honored to have had Jenny as my counselor, and I will forever be grateful for the impact she has had on my academic journey. With heartfelt appreciation, Bowen, Zhejiang, China

I thoroughly enjoyed Jenny's invaluable help with my college application! Her guidance and expertise have been instrumental in shaping my application journey and making it a truly rewarding experience. Initially, as I embarked on the application process, I felt unsure about the steps involved, especially when it came to crafting the supplemental essays, a new challenge for me. However, Jenny's insightful tips on essay writing proved to be a game-changer. With her guidance, I was able to produce essays that not only reflected my abilities but also perfectly aligned with the unique preferences of the colleges I applied to. One aspect that truly sets Jenny apart was her exceptional communication skills. Her prompt and clear responses were a lifeline during the often overwhelming application process. I vividly recall seeking her advice on selecting majors for Brandeis University. Within moments, Jenny provided valuable guidance, advising me against applying for a highly competitive major and redirecting my focus toward more suitable options. Her guidance allowed me to make informed decisions and avoid potential disappointment. Jenny's assistance went beyond essay help. Her keen eye for detail and commitment to excellence shone through when she helped me refine my writing skills. I distinctly remember struggling with my WPI essay, but Jenny's constructive suggestions and guidance empowered me to independently write a compelling piece. Similarly, when tackling the supplementary essay for Providence College, Jenny's astute observation of commonalities with another essay I had written saved me time and effort. With her guidance, I was able to seamlessly rework and expand upon my existing content. In addition to her expertise, Jenny's friendly and approachable demeanor made the entire process enjoyable. Her easy communication style, understanding, and attentive nature fostered a collaborative environment where I felt comfortable discussing my concerns and seeking guidance. I am immensely grateful for Jenny's unwavering support throughout my college application journey. Her guidance, attention to detail, and genuine care have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping my application. Working with Jenny has been a true pleasure, and I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of expert guidance during the college application process. Sincerely, Tom (student), UMass Amherst, Computer Science Major, from Massachusetts

Throughout this transformative journey, our daughter has undergone remarkable and deeply personal changes, blossoming into a more confident and resilient individual. We cannot express enough gratitude for the profound impact your guidance and support have had on her growth. First and foremost, our daughter has come to recognize her strengths, thanks to your unwavering belief in her abilities. This newfound self-assurance has propelled her to approach challenges with unwavering confidence, knowing that she possesses the capabilities to overcome them. The spark of self-awareness you ignited within her has empowered her to actively seek out new experiences, fearlessly embracing opportunities beyond her comfort zone. It is truly remarkable to witness the doors of possibility swing open as she fearlessly explores uncharted territories. Your steadfast dedication and encouragement have inspired our daughter to go the extra mile, investing her time and effort into pursuits that hold deep importance or bring her joy. Her unwavering determination is a testament to the resilience you helped cultivate. We are filled with immense pride as we witness her commitment to growth and excellence, knowing that your guidance has played a pivotal role in nurturing this unwavering spirit. Communication skills have flourished under your guidance, as our daughter now engages with adults with newfound confidence and articulate expression. It is heartwarming to witness her mature communication, effortlessly conveying her thoughts and ideas with grace and clarity. The gift of effective communication you have imparted will undoubtedly serve her well in all future endeavors. The process of preparing for interviews has been nothing short of transformative. Through your one-on-one discussions and meticulous preparation, our daughter has learned to establish a deep sense of relevance and connection with each school she aspires to join. The mental preparation and insights you provided have been instrumental in her remarkable performances during interviews, where she flawlessly and confidently answers questions. The genuine excitement and sense of accomplishment she radiates after each interview are testaments to your invaluable support. Above all, we are humbled and grateful for the unforeseen, long-term effects this journey has had on our daughter's growth. Together, we have faced countless challenges, persevered through ups and downs, and made difficult choices that have ultimately fortified her character. This application process has enriched her life with invaluable lessons and experiences that will shape her future endeavors. We are thrilled to share that our daughter has been accepted as a proud freshman at Emory University this Fall. This incredible achievement is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and the unwavering support she received from you, Jenny. We cannot thank you enough for being an extraordinary mentor and making an indelible impact on our daughter's life. Jenny, you have been an invaluable guide, and your dedication and belief in our daughter have propelled her toward this exciting new chapter. It has been an honor to witness her growth under your care, and we are filled with anticipation for the bright future that lies ahead. Thank you for being a beacon of inspiration and support throughout this transformative journey. With the deepest gratitude, Sunny's family, Massachusetts

Applying to American universities is a complex and high-stakes process. Fortunately, Jenny's invaluable support proved instrumental in our success. Her profound understanding of the application journey brought stability and practicality to our experience. With a composed temperament and exceptional organizational skills, Jenny adeptly organized, prioritized, and categorized tasks, untangling the chaos. This enabled us to swiftly and effectively create a well-structured portfolio, gaining clarity along the way. Jenny's approach provided solace to our restless hearts, and her prompt responses to our queries offered optimal solutions. Jenny's guidance throughout the process was indispensable. She expertly prioritized tasks, optimizing our limited time amidst the demanding 12th-grade workload. Her open-mindedness fostered thoughtful discussions, leading to the identification of the best methods and answers. We are immensely grateful for Jenny's caring companionship during the college application season. As a result, our son has been accepted to Purdue University, where he will pursue his studies in Electrical Computer Engineering. We are thrilled about this new chapter and deeply appreciate Jenny's significant role in our journey. - Thomas's parents, Oregon