Surely, everyone dreads writing college essays. Does it make sense? Will I sound like an idiot? Are my commas in the right places? Good news for the Class of 2024! The AHS PTSA started a new program for help with college essays. It is part of a larger “Bright Futures” program that will have some things during the year for all students, but right now, it is college essay time for the Seniors.

First, the AHS PTSA invited Advantage College Planning to come talk about the ten things not to put in college essays. More than one hundred people, parents, and students came to listen to this great information.

Then, Ms. Gonzalez provided training and a refresher grammar lesson for nine parents who volunteered to be essay tutors for this first year of the Bright Futures College Essay Tutoring program. These nine parents are offering to read and meet with students to discuss their essays and provide feedback. Each senior can sign up for a 30-minute “tutoring” (essay feedback) session. There are slots available throughout October, including the first weekend in November.

​Kay Campbell, the PTSA member who started and is leading this program at AHS, had this to say about the essay tutoring program: “It is extremely important for a student to tell their story in such a way that it captures the attention of the admissions’ staff. The college essay is just the place for this to happen. By getting the full attention of that staff person, the student has a chance to use their ‘voice’ to set themselves above their peer applicants. Our Tutoring program assists students in making their essay the best it can be.”

Parents started meeting with students last week. As of now, forty-four students have signed up for a “tutoring” session. Even if students do not have their college essays written, the parent volunteers will meet with students to discuss their essay ideas. It is not too late to sign up. There are plenty of slots still available. Check out the QR code.

When you meet with them, remember to thank the essay tutor parent-volunteers for offering their time and encouragement to our seniors. Hopefully, the program will succeed and be around for future Cougars.