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Health & Fitness

College Application Essays - Avoid the Stress

I planned on writing an article about procrastination but I really should clean out the garage first. Although, now that reruns of Dragnet are on TV, I do want to catch up on that first….after my nap.

When should my teen start writing the common application essays?

The end of 11th grade is in many ways the most stressful time in a student’s high school career. SAT, AP, Regents and the last ditch effort to save the world so his resume will look more impressive to colleges.

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The problem for most students is that they put off applying to college until they are waist-high is senior year course work, research, clubs, sports, other extra-curricular activities and perhaps even a part-time job. And if your teen is anything like I was….”community service as stipulated by the court.”  KIDDING. I was a mensch in Oceanside. The only trouble I ever got in was not annotating a source on a research paper.. oh those wild and crazy 1970s. But I digress…

SUMMER FUN: Give your teen a couple of weeks to detox from 11th grade. THAN….time to start the common application essay. It’s the longest essay expected. 650 words max. So try to get that one out of the way before senior year begins. August 1st on, colleges announce their supplemental essay requirements.

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The essay will be harder to write than you think. It going to be written, rewritten, ripped up, started again… wash….rinse….repeat. In this case: PROCRASTINATION IS NOT YOUR FRIEND.

GREAT RESOURCE: College Essay Organizer and other resources you can find on my website on the links page. It's worth the trip!!!

In the weeks and months ahead I will help you understand in more detail what is expected and how to set yourself apart from the other candidates.

 I will be presenting a FREE workshop on the Top Five Mistakes Students Make on their College

Application Essays at each of the following libraries, PTAs and organizations. (Pre-registration is strongly advised. Please call the library or other organization if you wish to attend)

I am also available to speak at YOUR organization. Did I mention it’s FREE?

Plainedge Public Library March 11 

Commack JCC March 18  

Oceanside Public Library March 20  

Jericho Public Library   March 24  

Bellmore Memorial Library – March 27

Syosset Public Library March 31  

Port Jefferson Library   April  2        

Lake Success Jewish Center April  7     

Sea Cliff Village Library April 10  

Northport Library – April 21

Smithtown Public Library April 28    

Harborfields Public Library April 29   

Great Neck Library May 5

Rockville Centre Public Library May 15

Randy Levin is the ONLY college application essay adviser asked to speak at the National College Fair- Nassau Coliseum. The Guidance Dept and English Dept of Half Hollow Hills HS bring Randy into the classroom to speak directly to students. He has a MA in English and a MFA in Creative Writing. He is a published writer and former high school English teacher. For FREE information, go to his website: WriteToCollege.com


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