Getting Started

I designed this website months ago, but I am finally ready to settle down and commit to writing this blog – just as many of you may be settling down to commit to writing their college admissions essays. We probably share that same sinking feeling oh, no, it’s too late, I should have started doing this months ago, what’s wrong with me, why didn’t I –

It’s not too late. In fact, you have loads of time. The first thing you need to do is the hardest: figure out what you’re going to write about. (I don’t even know you, but may I suggest some topics: Perhaps Procrastination and How I’ve Learned to Overcome It? Or I Learned Everything I Need to Know for College in One All-Night Study Session?) For first time readers – and yes, I know, that’s basically everyone – that was totally a joke.

This, however, is not: Anything can be a topic for a college essay. It’s what you do with the material, how you make it your own, how you use it to showcase that you’re a person who will contribute to this college community – that’s what counts.

So your homework for tonight: figure out what you’re passionate about. The beauty of this homework is that you can do it anywhere – in the car, in the lunchline, while your Mom badgers you about why haven’t you started your college essay yet? And then you can look at her with total honesty and say, “But Mom, I have!”