So…what's yours?
That's an overwhelming question for most of us adults, let alone these teenagers, who have likely never learned to write in a way that even remotely resembles what most college essay admissions folks really want to see. A way that gives them a glimpse into the real you.
Figured out your story? …Ready or not, you have 650 words in which to do it. Good luck.
Here's the thing: we all need to know how to tell a good story, beginning with the one about us and the work that we do. This doesn't end with personal statements on college applications. It's a major life skill, and in an age when one's digital footprint spans nearly all aspects of life and work, it's more critical than ever.
Telling your story is the cornerstone of a successful pitch, interview, or submission—basically, any situation with the potential to open a door for your future.
Here are the top three reasons people hire me as a writing coach:
1. My training. I was a creative writing major at Northwestern and I have my editing certificate from University of Chicago after having worked in publishing for a couple of years.
2. My background. I began work as a writing coach during undergrad, and despite the many twists and turns in my everyday working life, I never stopped coaching, if only on a freelancing basis. I even occasionally teach corporate workshops on how to write emails and make presentations!
3. My belief is that we all have a story to share, even if we have a lot of life still ahead of us. Something has formed our point of view, framed the way we think, filtered the things we perceive around us. Taking those first steps into a more independent, adult lifestyle is the perfect time to start reflecting on our experiences, and ultimately to begin tuning in to our story as it unfolds each day.
One of my biggest struggles throughout the college application process was knowing where I stood. One day I wanted to apply to Harvard, and the next to schools I'd never even heard of. Throughout the process, Nick went beyond the role of a college counselor—he was a friend. He constantly reassured me that I could get into top institutions, and he was right! Without him, I absolutely would not have been able to get into my dream school.
What I particularly liked about Nick's approach to the college application process was that he is both efficient and creative. At every meeting, I would come to him with about ten colleges to go over—that's a 40-page document—and somehow, he got through it in an hour every single time, while still giving useful feedback.
Additionally, his feedback helped me bring my personal statement to the next level. The original draft I was going to submit was based on a metaphor—the advice he gave is something I still remember to this day: "If you can write the same plot without the metaphor, scrap it." After that, all of my essays—not just the personal statement—became so much more efficient and clear.
Throughout the entire college application process, Nick was simultaneously kind, flexible, and made the process fun. I strongly recommend that anyone reading this hire Nick Soper as their college counselor.