For me, it started with avocado toast and ended with a race around the world. I am not kidding!! It was beyond challenging trying to figure out what to write about for my college essay. How could I distinguish myself in 2500 words that would essentially destroy or solidify my dream? As I struggled with where to begin and then how to end, the Hamilton lyrics "I am not going to miss my shot" played on autopilot in my head. Whatever I was going to construct had to be engaging, unique, soulful, poetic, creative, cool, layered, and brilliant. It also had to seamlessly reveal all of my best qualities without me sounding obnoxiously boastful or ridiculously humble. No pressure. No problem.
No, I am not telling the truth. The personal essay for the college application was hugely challenging, and winning the award for best essay in my high school class was deeply rewarding.
Video: Lydia (Harvard '20) and her mentee, Avery, reflecting on their writing mentorship journey together.
Through our mentor community and beyond, I have now read hundreds of college essays that work and several hundred more that don't. There is no secret sauce, per se, but there are some key ingredients that tend to work. The one thing that I know with absolute certainty is that getting a head start on the essay is a winning strategy that will make you have a much more pleasant fall, possibly an extraordinary winter, and, at a minimum, an acceptable spring. You can't get into college without it, and you probably won't have a good night's sleep until you have a solid draft. It's the part of the application that invariably overwhelms students.
Knowing that this is among the most important, challenging, and perplexing assignments ever with very high stakes and even more pressure, we have aggregated the group of mentors most experienced and best suited to support your student with the daunting college essay process. And, in the spirit of curious cardinals, we plan to make it super fun 🤩
Photo: Curious Cardinals mentor Eliana S. at her favorite study spot at Stanford. Core to effective writing is unlocking your flow state. Find your favorite spot to get in the zone!
Whether it’s your common app essay or simply practicing writing this summer, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get ahead and make the most out of this summer. Strong writing starts with strong ideas and the freedom of summer makes for the perfect time to unleash your inner genius. With the guidance of an expert writing mentor like Ellie E, Eden B, or Yves C you can say goodbye to the pressure to perform and hello to a summer of endless possibilities!
Audrey, on behalf of the Curious Cardinals Team
