Wow Them with “KILLER” College Application Essays

Whether you, or someone you know, already have/has written your (his/her) personal statement, THE MOST IMPORTANT part of your college application package, or still are/is struggling to identify that “perfect” topic,  it is time to consider taking advantage of an opportunity to meet for a private session.

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JUST in case you’ve been wondering……

Where has Joyce been, particularly on Thursdays when she promised to write? The truth?  She, as she  is known in this expert, professional persona, succumbed, which much too embarrassingly translates to, “life” got in the way.  (It does have a habit of doing so at times, n’est pas?) The details do not matter, but suffice it to say, preoccupation with love (spectacularly wonderful), duty (the “must do’s”), and a complete reversal of a three-decade perception (marked by shock; disappointment; concern for the effects of a process and its aftermath upon loved ones) can, most decidedly, shake up anyone’s reality.

I agree, it takes a while for that wise unknown author’s words to sink in, “Everything will be all right in the end, and if it’s not all right, it’s not the end.”  And, I know we all will emerge stronger, wiser, and less likely to fall victim to perceptual bias, but that (as they say) is another story.  And so, we take baby steps…putting one foot in front of another…living platitudes we once believed applied to  “others” and never to us.

So, if you, too, got knocked “off track” and your compass also clouded, what matters is the ability to sing Jerome Kern’s lyrics as loudly as possible.  “Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.”  So, now what?

If you think of yourself as college or graduate school-bound, you no doubt have work to do. Do you need to take, or retake, those standardized tests?  How will you prepare for them?  Do those oh-so-necessary campus visits loom as your “must do’s?”  Do you have applications to complete? Essays to write? When, oh when, do you plan to get started?  Now is the right time, and do you know what? It’s always now!

If I can prod or help you or someone you know get started, you know how to find me.  I am only one telephone call, e-mail, text or IM (203) 858-1687 away.  How good are you at tracking???

Ciao for now–

Joyce

It has come to my attention…..

My Take on a New Offer

The idea of parents forming small groups for SAT/ACT preparation is an excellent opportunity for families who wish to take advantage of an offer to save costs.  However, the topic warrants some cautionary comments.

First, parents should not assume that just because they have formed a group that their children will work well together, particularly when the participants know one another.

Second, the instructor must remain mindful of such students’ personal relationships and build brief periods of “break” time into the sessions so that group members can relate on a personal level.  As sessions tend to occur after school or during weekend time, if the facilitator is not mindful of the students’ need to interact, some will have difficulty focusing on the content until their need for socialization is met.

Third, the size of the group should be small so that students who need individualized attention will seek it without fear of embarrassment in front of their friends.

Fourth, the facilitator needs to teach students skills that will improve their study habits and that will transfer to life-long learning.

Fifth, students must “do their homework” so that sessions focus on the explanation of reasons one choice worked better than another as opposed to test-taking practice. This practice, known as metacognition, or thinking about their thinking–particularly in retrospect, moves learning forward.

Lastly, some students flourish only when they receive private instruction. When families take advantage of this option, the number of required meetings often reduces.

While the standardized testing big business will force the retention of these exams, today, many colleges and universities elect to move away from requiring the submission of standardized test scores.

Instead of obsessing over their performance on these tests, students need to focus, instead, on their grades; their extracurricular pursuits; opportunities that allow them to serve their community and, thus, contribute to society, and on the quality of their application essays.

Joyce Singer http://www.joycesinger.com

November Special!

Are you, or is anyone you know (including parents) still obsessing over your college application essays or about your SAT or ACT preparation?  From now through the end of November, I am offering a $100 discount to new clients (prepaid retainer required).

Relax and enjoy the process!  

I am available for in-person, Skype, and FaceTime conversations and look forward to seeing you soon!

See my website for successes and testimonials. http://www.joycesinger.com

Be Smarter!

The smartest people are not the ones who know all the answers;

THEY ARE THE ONES WHO KNOW WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK!

Never leave class with your questions unanswered!    

“WHY?” is a good way to start!

JS 🙂                                                                  

A Thought For Today

Like it or not, people judge you by how well you write.

Soooo, whether you’re writing your personal statement, writing a report, making a business proposal, or sending e-mail, someone is paying more attention than you think!

JS 🙂

Contact Information

Thank you to Jonathan,  one of my students at Fairfield University, who suggested I add my contact information.

Excellent feedback!

writergt@optonline.net

Should I Use a Book?

Yesterday, I went to a Barnes & Noble bookstore to pick up a book I had put on hold.  On my way to check out, I noticed a table with several books, all of which guide students through the process of writing college application essays.

In looking through one or two books, I found many valuable tips and suggestions for getting started.  By all means, leaf through these books, and when you find one that “speaks to you,” if you’re so inclined, purchase it. 

My strongest recommendation, however, is that once you’ve written your personal statement either take, or send it to an expert for a final review.

Yes, share it with your peers; share it with your parents; even share it with a teacher.  Then, when you believe you’re “done,” share it with an Educational Consultant or writing professional who has had experience coaching people who are applying to their top-choice schools.

These experts are “in the know.”  They can help you turn a simple piece of information into a powerful attention-grabber.

There is enough work for all of us, and whether you use me or one of my colleagues, do not miss an opportunity to obtain expert feedback!

 JS 🙂