Krista's blog

Essay Writing Tips

2009-09-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

I gave a presentation on College Essay Writing Tips last night and thought it might be helpful to put up on my blog! After working at Lehigh for over ten years, I've read hundreds, if not thousands of essays and have some tips to share with prospective students. Here goes!

1. Don't worry so much about WHAT the topic is, worry about HOW the essay is written. Too many times students get hung up on what the college admissions office might want to hear,and they lose sight of things like grammar! You wouldn't believe how many errors we see. One of the "best" ones in our office is the student that talked about going hunting with his grandfather. It was an important part of his life, and a great bonding experience for both of them. Well, he talked about shooting peasants. He meant to say PHEASANTS! Don't let that happen to you! Make sure to write a draft, just like in English class. Write it, review it, sleep on it --- then draft again. and again, and again. Have your peers read it, have a family member read it. Don't just trust spellcheck!!!

2. Be yourself and make your essay personal. Tell a story about your favorite high school experience, an achievement for which you're especially proud or an event that had an impact on who you are. Admissions Offices want to know what you bring to their community and the essay is your opportunity to bring your application to life.

3. Stick to the topic and answer the question. You'd be surprised to see how many students write an essay that reads like a resume and then ultimately don't answer what's asked of them.

These are just a few tips that I thought would be helpful. Happy writing!

August in the Admissions Office!

2009-08-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted something. Things are beginning to get really hectic in our office and all the admissions counselors are scrambling to plan their travel. I can't believe most schools start next week!

My territory changed this fall, and I'm excited to be visiting schools in the Lehigh Valley! (I'm originally from Bethlehem so I'm really psyched!) There are so many things we consider when visiting a particular area, however, we rely heavily on the schools that have had contact with us in the past. I just looked at my inquiry report for my region and my top 5 schools are Reading HS, Parkland HS, Freedom HS, Liberty HS and North Penn HS. I really enjoy going to high schools, meeting with students and talking with guidance counselors. Some of our admissions counselors are gearing up to go to much more exotic places (no offense to the Lehigh Valley :-)) like Texas, Florida and Hawaii. One of our counselors travel all over the world - lucky duck. Students all over the globe are interested in Lehigh and we love reaching out to them!

2009-02-13T13:04:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it's February. We just completed review of all Early Decision applications and are trying to finish up Regular Decision. All 17 of our admissions counselors will be entrenched in reading for the next two weeks to try and finish up. I love staying home two days a week. I get so much done at my dining room table, it's amazing!

Part of my responsibilities here in the office is to work with all our marketing efforts. Just today, we sent our accepted student packet to the printer! YEAH! It's such an accomplishment seeing the finished product. Not to mention how exciting it is when we actually put them in the mail at the end of March. For all the students waiting -- we're working on it! We hope to send all our decision letters the last week in March.

Then there's April - holy cow. I always say we turn into cruise directors because we have so many wonderful programs for students. There are activities on the Lido Deck.....just kidding. But there are opportunities to sit in on classes and meet with professors. We also have lots and lots of Juniors that start to visit! It's a great time of year!

Well, back to reading. I'm also writing some personal notes to kids that knocked my socks off. Our applicants are amazing!

In the midst of reading

2009-01-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this is my very first blog posting! -- how exciting! I decided to type in purple, not sure why, just wanted to test this thing out.

We're in the midst of reading season and I can honestly say it's a really fun time of year. I sat at home yesterday and got to read some wonderful essays. Our applicants put tons of time into their applications and it shows. The toughest thing for us at Lehigh is that the very large majority of our applicants are qualified to be admitted to Lehigh, however, we only have a limited number of spots in the class. We have to make very tough decisions and find those students that will truly make an impact on our campus. Luckily, we have an amazing staff (which is part of the reason I've been here almost 10 years - wow, time flies!) and we collaborate on so many things. Although I've read the applications for students in my territory, another member of the staff with give me a second opinion on many of the files -- some will go to committee where we present all the students' qualities and then vote. It can be very stressful!

I will say, however, that this is one of the most rewarding points in the year for us. I love being able to advocate for my students -- especially those I've gotten to know well through high school visits or college fairs this past fall.

Remember how I said this time of year is "fun" -- well, I was lying a little. My desk is filled with files for me to process so I better get to it. More on reading season later......