1. … and how your college essay advisors can help
Your College Essays
… and how your college essay advisors can help

2. Your College Essay Advisors: Who are WE?
Ms. Susan Elliott Blashka
Mrs. Hollace Schmidt
Solon High School graduates (that’s us at right during our senior year!)
Each earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University
Each established a career as a writer and editor
Your College Essay Advisors: Who are WE?

3. We can help You with … Brainstorming topics
Creating an outline for your essay
Writing a lead that hooks your reader
Crafting an ending that ties back to the opening or looks ahead to the future
Explaining the “so what” factor— what this story says about you
Making sure your writing sounds like you
Conveying your thoughts concisely and clearly
Finding and correcting errors in your writing
Polishing your essay before you submit it
We can help You with …

4. Brainstorm topic ideas—by yourself, with us, or with someone else you trust.
Within the guidelines of the essay prompt, choose a topic that is unique (or at least special) to you and that you can write about in a personal way.
Ask yourself how many other applicants could write the same essay in the same way. If it’s a lot, consider choosing another topic. You want your essay to stand out from the rest and be memorable for the reader.
Share something that will make the reader say, “We need this student on our campus.”
To Get Started…

5. After you have your topic…
Put together an outline that includes all the details you want to share.
Then, start your essay by creating an introduction that grabs the reader.
Do this by using descriptive words, dialogue, a question, or anything else that brings your reader into the story or piques his or her interest.
If you’ve drawn your reader in at the beginning, you’re well on your way to creating an excellent essay.
Fill in the rest of the story, bringing it to life through details and examples.
We’ll use our organization, grammar, punctuation, and general writing and editing skills to help you finish strong as well.
After you have your topic…

6. We’re looking forward to working with you!
Sign up for an appointment using the links on the SHS school counseling Web page.
Please follow the instructions listed there: one appointment per week, and no more than three total without permission from the advisors after your third session.
We’re located in the back of the Media Center, where tutoring is held.
Come even if you have nothing written yet—brainstorming together is time well spent.
If you have begun work on your essay, bring two copies of it and a pen or pencil so we can get to work.
We can help with supplemental essays too—don’t forget about those!
Our last day is Tuesday, October 31, so book your slots before then.
We’re looking forward to working with you!