The college application process is sometimes dreaded by everyone in the family! I encourage my students to approach it as a journey of self-discovery, the benefits of which extend beyond gaining college admission. Through extensive brainstorming, students will excavate their lives for stories and experiences that exemplify who they are and how they will show up to college and beyond.   I do not steer the topic choice or the student's natural writing voice unless there is a compelling need to do so. I encourage what works well in my students' writing while helping them strive to tell their stories and share their experiences, interests, skills and personality in the most effective and engaging way possible. While perfection is never the goal, I want them to feel good about their work and have the best chance of being accepted into their colleges of choice. Above all, I encourage students to be themselves in their essays and allow the details and insights in their stories shine.