Not many images are more daunting than a blank page. The horror! But starting next month (March), I’m launching a weekly Webinar series to assist more students and families with starting their college application essays.

I write this blog, peddle my three guide books and tutor privately to get out my advice, tips and inspiration to make this process less miserable. I actually believe writing these essays can be an enlightening and productive experience, and dare I say, fun, if you have some direction and support. It can also be a total drag.

But I think you have a choice on how it goes. A lot of the stress of the college admissions process is caused by the unknown. Once you know what to do, you will see that it’s not that impossible.

I’m hoping that my Webinars can help students, and parents and others who work with students, get a jump on what they need to do.

What Exactly is a Webinar?

Until a year or so ago, I really didn’t know what these were myself. Webinar is really a fancy name for an online presentation that can also be interactive. To participate, you usually just have to sign up and get online during the day and time that it happens. Then, you watch a presentation, and often have a chance to ask questions.

I think Webinars are especially helpful if you are the type of learner who doesn’t want to read tons of information, and does better listening and watching and participating.

Here’s the schedule so far, and it will include other topics in upcoming weeks. All Webinars will be an hour long and cost $24.99. You register by paying in advance via PayPal (which takes credit cards). See my Webinar Page for details on how to access the Webinar. All participants also will receive a free ebook copy of my popular collection of narrative-style college app essays, Heavenly Essays!

SPRING 2015 SCHEDULE

SUNDAY, MARCH 15
5 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) 8 p.m. (East Coast Time)

Q&A: Everything You Wanted to Know About College App Essays

I will share a list of the most common questions regarding college applications essays, and provide my answers, opinions and tips. Questions will include: How much do these essays matter? How do I find the best help? When do I start? How do I recycle essays? What if I’m not a strong writer? How Do I Make My Essay Stand Out?
At the end of the presentation, I will field questions directly from students and parents.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22
5 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) 8 p.m. (East Coast Time)

Find A Great College App Essay Topic!

I will walk students through an information and brainstorming process to help them learn what makes a great college app essay topic, and help them find their own topic. I will help them identify their own defining qualities, share examples of effective topics, teach them some narrative writing techniques, and help them make sure it’s engaging and meaningful. This is mainly for finding topics for the Common App essays, and other essays that want personal statement style essays (eg U.C. Prompt 2; most large university core essays, etc.)
At the end of the presentation, I will answer questions.

 

SUNDAY, MARCH 29
5 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) 8 p.m. (East Coast Time)

(Repeat) Q&A: Everything You Wanted to Know About College App Essays

I will share a list of the most common questions regarding college applications essays, and provide my answers, opinions and tips. Questions will include: How much do the essays matter? How do I find the best help? When do I start? How do I recycle essays? What if I’m not a strong writer? How Do I Make My Essay Stand Out?
At the end of the presentation, I will field questions directly from students and parents.

**I will be adding more Webinars for April in the next couple weeks. If there is a topic you would like me to address, just shoot me an email. Thanks!