The document provides information from a college admissions webinar featuring Debbie Merion and Geraldine Markel. Debbie discusses how to write an effective college application essay, including starting in the summer after junior year, drafting and editing, and ensuring the essay conveys something unique about the student. Geraldine addresses the stress and pressure of standardized college admissions tests and provides tips for improving scores, managing stress, and developing an effective study plan. Both presenters emphasize starting preparation early and maintaining a positive mindset.

1. www.CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com
College Night Online 4/21/14
Debbie Merion, MSW, MFA
Essay Coaching
www.essaycoaching.com
734 646 5985
debbie@essaycoaching.com
Geraldine Markel, PhD
Managing Your Mind
Coaching & Seminars
734 761 6498
geri@managingyourmind.com
www.studytipaday.com/blog
1© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

2. College Night Online:
Write a “Wow!” College
Application Essay
Debbie Merion, MSW, MFA
Essay Coaching www.essaycoaching.com
734 646 5985
debbie@essaycoaching.com
www.collegeadmissionsadvisors.com
2© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

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4. When?
• Start summer after junior year
• Start thinking, talking, writing notes now
• Most schools release applications ~ Aug. 1
• Early action- nonbinding U of Michigan Nov. 1
• Early decision – binding bitsy.spinics.net/1065
• Apply to choice # 1 first
• Most deadlines in December; research to find
if applying earlier is gives you better odds
4© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

5. Common App Essay Prompts:
1. Some students have a background or story that is so central to
their identity that they believe their application would be
incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share
your story.
2. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How
did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What
prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
4. Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content.
What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to
you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that
marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your
culture, community, or family. 5© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

6. How College Admissions Essays
are Evaluated
1. Does the essay tell you something
about the student? What did you learn?
2. Did you hear the student’s voice?
3. What qualities or talents does the student reveal?
4. Do you get a sense of the student as a person?
5. Will this student fit in? Graduate? Contribute?
6. Have they done an effective job of telling their
story?
7. Are the grammar, spelling, and punctuation
correct? 6© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

7. Write a Winning Essay
• Pick a topic you want to write about; tell a
true story about you who you are
• Best topics: taking initiative, leadership,
passions, working toward dreams, influences
• Write notes, a draft, then edit to create a
story no one else can write. Use details like
names.
• Include 50% actions and 50 % reflections.
• Ask others: What did you learn about me?
7© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

8. College Night Online:
Write a “Wow!” College
Application Essay
Debbie Merion, MSW, MFA
Essay Coaching www.essaycoaching.com
734 646 5985
debbie@essaycoaching.com
www.collegeadmissionsadvisors.com
8© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

9. 9© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

10. College Night Online:
Navigating the College
Admissions Test Mess
Geraldine Markel, PhD
Managing Your Mind
Coaching & Seminars
734 761 6498
geri@managingyourmind.com
www.collegeadmissionsadvisors.com
www.studytipaday.com/blog
10© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

11. • College admissions tests are long and difficult.
• College admissions are more competitive.
• Students have less time and energy to
prepare, but feel pressured to take different
tests, multiple times.
• Students need support, not nagging.
• 850 colleges don’t require ACT or SAT. 11© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

12. How do I Improve
My Score?
• Learn vocabulary and content from courses.
• Do puzzles and games that enhance math,
vocabulary, reading and writing skills.
• Read newspapers and magazines to increase
rate and comprehension.
• Start early! Learn about and prepare for the
PLAN & PSAT.
• Decide which test is best for you.
12© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

13. How do I Deal with
Test Stress?
I think it’s stress
• Give yourself a pep talk.
• Visualize the times you’ve been successful.
• Use calming techniques before studying
and test taking.
• Take at least one full-length practice test.
• Take frequent, short breaks during the
test.
• Ensure adequate sleep (at least 8 hours). 13© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

14. Develop a Plan
• Get motivated to attain a peak performance.
• Develop a study schedule and find resources.
• Gain confidence through competence; get
tutors, work with teachers, and review with
other students.
• Schedule frequent short, study sessions over
two or three months.
• Review previous tests and use summer
months to work on challenges.
14© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

15. College Night Online:
Navigating the College
Admissions Test Mess
Geraldine Markel, PhD
Managing Your Mind
Coaching & Seminars
734 761 6498
geri@managingyourmind.com
www.collegeadmissionsadvisors.com
www.studytipaday.com/blog
15© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

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YOU CAN DO IT!
© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com

17. Learn more! Available on amazon.com
© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com 17

18. www.CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com
College Night Online 4/21/14
Debbie Merion, MSW, MFA
Essay Coaching
www.essaycoaching.com
734 646 5985
debbie@essaycoaching.com
Geraldine Markel, PhD
Managing Your Mind
Coaching & Seminars
734 761 6498
geri@managingyourmind.com
www.studytipaday.com/blog
18© 2014 CollegeAdmissionsAdvisors.com