The Ultimate Guide to Helping Your Teen with Their College Essay by Ryan Abramson

Supporting your teen through the college admissions process can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to the essay It’s one of the few parts of the application that gives them a chance to speak directly to admissions officers As explained by Ryan Abramson, that’s why guiding them with the right college admissions essay tips can make such a meaningful difference in both confidence and outcome.

Start by helping your teen understand the goal of the essay It’s not about sounding perfect it’s about being authentic Encourage them to write about an experience that shaped who they are The best essays often stem from small, personal moments, rather than grand achievements. A story that reveals character, growth, or insight will always stand out more than a list of accomplishments

Once they have a topic, offer help with structure The essay should begin with a hook a sentence that draws the reader in From there, they should build the story step by step, showing how the moment or experience shaped their thinking or goals. Each paragraph should connect to the main point and advance the story

Avoid taking over the writing process Instead of rewriting, ask guiding questions For example, “How did that make you feel?” or “What did you learn from that?” These prompts help your teen go deeper into their perspective. Their voice is what admissions teams want to hear, not a polished adult version.

Encourage multiple drafts Let your teen know that rewriting isn’t a sign of failure; it’s part of the process Good writing takes time, and every new version will get them closer to the final message Help them stay positive and focused, even if the work feels frustrating.

When it’s time to edit, check for clarity, grammar, and consistency. But don’t obsess over perfection. The goal is an honest, clear, and well-organized story Read it out loud together it’s a great way to catch awkward phrasing and make sure the tone sounds natural

Finally, make sure they proofread carefully before submitting A thoughtful, error-free essay shows effort and care. With patience, trust, and these proven college essay writing strategies, you can help your teen create an application that truly reflects who they are