College Essay Writing Workshop to be held on Tuesday in Holliston

The essay section of a college application can be the deciding factor in a college or university’s decision making process.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling’s 2011 State of College Admission report found that while grades, strength of curriculum and admission test scores are the top factors in the college admission decision, a majority of colleges and universities believe the essay to be of considerable or moderate importance in determining which academically qualified students they would choose.

“The college essay is one of the most critical parts of their college application and also the part over which they have the most control.  It is their chance to tell admissions people what they want them to know (aside from grades and class rank), and show why they would make a great addition to the school’s incoming freshman class,” said Beth Brooks who will co-host -- along with College Pursuits business partner Joanne Apesos -- a College Essay Writing Workshop on Tuesday, June 19, at 5 Foxwood Cove, Holliston, for any member of the Class of 2013.

At the workshop, prospective college applicants will learn:

• Why the personal essay is a critical part of your application
• Which topics work—and which ones do not
• How to find your own unique voice to stand out from the crowd
• Important skills for revising and editing your essay drafts

Co-hosts Brooks and Apesos will provide students choose an effective topic and will offer personal, one-on-one guidance to help students write a first draft.

The cost for the three-hour workshop is $125.00.  The cost for the workshop plus one hour of editing the first draft of an essay is $225.00. 

Brooks said students who will be seniors in the fall should attend the workshop to learn why the personal essay is so critical to their college applications.  

“They will also learn exactly what admissions officers are looking for in an essay, the difference between an outstanding essay and a poorly executed essay, which topics work and which to stay away from, as well as the skills needed to write an essay that will help them stand out,” she said.

Seats are still available by contacting Joanne Apesos at 508-429-8470 or Apesos2002@yahoo.com

About the Facilitators

Joanne Apesos has worked in higher education as an admissions counselor, Director of Student Activities and an adjunct professor at several State University of New York colleges.  She has sat on both sides of the admissions process, reading essays and helping students write them.  She holds a graduate degree in Student Personnel Services from Columbia University and is currently enrolled in UCLA’s College Counseling Program.  She’s an associate member of IECA, the Independent Educational Consultant Association, and has worked as a college consultant for five years.

Beth Brooks has worked in the publishing field for more than 20 years, editing and writing a wide range of educational materials. She has worked with hundreds of high school students to create and edit admissions essays that help them stand out from the crowd.  She holds a B.A. in English from Colby College and has completed graduate courses in publishing at Northeastern University.