006. The 5-Way Test to Writing an Unforgettable College Essay

Writing the college essay can be one of the most intimidating parts of the college application process. In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and former college admission counselor Robyn Munn to talk about the 5-way test to ensure your college application essay is unforgettable. 

The 5-Way Test to Writing an Unforgettable College Essay

The college admissions essay is a chance for your student to really stand out. It’s their opportunity to show who they are – beyond their transcripts and test scores. 

Whether your student is stuck on a blank page or looking for guidance in their revisions, this podcast episode is for you. You don’t have to be an expert writer to help your student through the process. Just have them follow our 5-way test (5WT) framework to write an unforgettable essay. 

In this episode we’ll talk about… 

  • Robyn’s story of overcoming her intimidation of the American college applications
  • The 5WT framework  we use with our students so they produce unforgettable college essays in our essay workshops
  • What parents should not be doing during the college essay writing process

Listen to the episode here.

For the blog version of this episode, click here

[02:20] Upcoming BFC Events

[04:55] Overcoming College Essay Intimidation

[09:02] Robyn’s Personal Journey to an Exemplary College Essay

[16:14] Finding Balance Between the Creator’s and Editor’s Voice

[17:20] Advantages of the Essay Bootcamp Structure

[20:26] Start With a Freewriting Exercise

[24:27] “Making Spaghetti” Metaphor for Essay Writing

[25:47] The 5-Way Test to Writing an Unforgettable College Essay

[26:13] 1. Is It Personal?

[34:37] 2. Is It Insightful?

[35:54] 3. What’s the Point?

[40:47] 4. Who Is Your Audience?

[45:17] 5. What Is the Format?

[49:45] Warnings for Essay Writing

[52:37] Advice for Parents Supporting Teens in the Process

Self-Accepted Homework

Parents, we challenge you to do the following tasks:

  • Practice stepping back and providing encouragement to your student
  • Encourage your student to own the essay-writing process.
  • Take your student through the 5-way test

Related Articles, Resources, & Content

We have several essay bootcamps and summer application workshops that are selling out quickly. To register, click here.

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