The Class of 2027 has started their journey of brainstorming college essay ideas. In their English classes, they have switched units to learn the structure of college essays with the help of Mr. Newman and Ms. Zeile.
Mr. Wolfson, Ms. Balli, Ms. Higgins, Ms. Carlson, and Mr. Byrnes are all English teachers who have given up their time to guide the juniors in writing their essays. They take two days out of the four days they meet with their classes. They give prompts to their students on topics they could focus on and encourage their students to start testing out topics that interest them.
When going from the regular curriculum of the class and transitioning to teaching about the essay process, Ms. Higgins says, “This is part of the writing process, and elements of the writing workshop are naturally a part of the college essay process and how writing connects to identity and your writing voice.”
Ms. Higgins trusts the process of the students as individual writers and thinkers. She believes her students have a strong sense of agency when deciding what to write about, since it is in their own hands.
To create a strong essay, it is important not to rely on outside voices and to start looking inward for ideas and topics, Ms. Carlson said.
With the due date for the essay drafts coming up, juniors have been working very efficiently this week to be able to cram all their ideas and thoughts into 650 words. Many students appreciate having class time to be able to work, brainstorm, and draft their essays.
“I like the idea of being able to draft my college essay and my English teacher giving me the support of a template to try to cut down my ideas,” Nate ’27 said.
Nate's experience reflects how juniors are feeling as they begin the college essay process. While students may begin to feel pressure to write a strong essay, the guidance from the teachers and the college counselor here on campus has helped them make the process more manageable.
“I think writing the college essay is diving deeper into who you actually are as a person aside from school and grades,” Hailey ’27 said.
Unlike transcripts or test scores, the essay allows students to share personal experiences, values, and challenges that have shaped them. It pushes students to reflect on memorable moments in their lives. Through the writing process, many students are discovering that the essay isn't just to get them into college, but also to understand themselves on a deeper level.
As the deadline approaches, juniors continue to develop their writing skills and write their essays while learning more about themselves as individuals. With support from teachers and counselors, the Class of 2027 is taking an important step in the college process with creativity, reflection, and determination.
Lily '27
Advanced Journalism Student
