Writing the college application essay...........

[DianeJM]

For those whose kids have written their college essays --
Any tips on what makes a successful essay for the college application process?
In our public high school they work on practicing and polishing college essays in their English 12 classes. We are not getting that help.
There's a page on the College Board site for help, which we will be looking at.
Anyone have any other information -- or, what have you learned about this process?

Thank you!

[readwithem]

My dd is just a junior so is just starting the process, but she has found these books to be helpful in formulating her idea:

http://www.amazon.com/Successful-Harvard-Application-Essays-Second/dp/0312343760/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230392553&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Successful-College-Application-Essays-Second/dp/0451207130/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230392605&sr=8-4

http://www.amazon.com/Writing-College-Application-Essay-Acceptance/dp/0064637220/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230392638&sr=8-2

[Kareni]

I second the book by Harry Bauld that readwithem mentioned above: On Writing the College Application Essay: The Key to Acceptance and the College of your Choice (http://www.amazon.com/Writing-College-Application-Essay-Acceptance/dp/0064637220/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230392638&sr=8-2)

My teen, a senior who's been involved in the college application process this fall and who is now working on her last two applications, also found the two following articles by Carolyn Z. Lawrence to be of help.

Telling Your Story: Admissions Essays (http://collegehunt.blogspot.com/2005/06/telling-your-story-admissions-essays.html)

and

Telling Your Story: Admissions Essays Part II (http://collegehunt.blogspot.com/2005/06/telling-your-story-admissions-essays_13.html)

Carolyn Lawrence also hosts a board for those going through the college application process. I recommend it for anyone with a high schooler (traditional or homeschooled). See http://admissionsadvice.mywowbb.com/

Regards,
Kareni