4 tips for writing a successful supplemental essay

So, why do schools ask you to write additional essays? Here is a summary of why and how to construct a good supplemental essay.

 Supplemental essays can vary in substance, length and in question. But overall, the supplemental essay is asking ‘why.’ The supplemental essay’s job is to effectively show why you, the applicant, would like to attend this university in particular.

1.     Make the connection as personal as possible.

If a supplemental essay is asking you to explain why you’d be a good fit on campus or how you would add to the campus community use this prompt to discuss the following.

Make the connection between the place and the personal through discussing a specific moment, conversation or take away while:

A.     Visiting campus

B.     Interviewing with an admissions representative or alumnus

C.     Conversing with a college fair representative

D.    Meeting with a coach, professor or administrator

2.     Answer the question with specificity. If the college is asking you to answer a unique question. One of Villanova’s previous supplemental essays asked the student to identify which year he would like to travel back in time to and why. This type of question should be answered with showing a unique interest or historical moment that is of importance to the applicant and explain why.  Be creative!

3.     Do not repeat information from the common application essay. Use the supplemental essay to write about the connection between you and the college, and why. Do not repeat.

4. If a supplemental essay is optional, I highly recommend answering and submitting your essay response. Going above and beyond is always looked highly upon.

Want to know my secret’s to how to answer these in more detail, as how to work 1x1 with me!

How to write an amazing college essay!

The common app essay is a unique part of your college application. Aside from your transcript, application, and test scores (possibly), it is one of the only parts of the application that can show a part of who you are that stands a part from the rest of the other applicants. It is your voice. I have helped hundreds of students write their essay. Here is my advice and my tips for how to write an amazing essay!

1. The essay should tell an authentic story about you. You have complete control over this part of your application.

2. Admission committees do not take a long time to read and review each application. Therefore, an essay that ‘hooks’ the reader will stand out in the admission officer’s mind, for whom, will inevitably, be the person that delivers and discusses your application to the committee.

3. Don’t write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. I repeat, don’t write what you think they want to hear. Your entire application should be about you, not someone who you think they’ll accept.

4. Do not include recipes, songs or poems in your college essay. This is not the place for that. They wan to get to meet you, not learn how to cook.

5. Do not repeat any information about you that has already been communicated in other parts or your application.

6. Speak directly. Your voice will be heard. Discuss parts of you that you are most proud of.

7. Don’t use AI to generate your college essay. It is obvious when a student uses AI. It sounds bland and generic.

8. Don’t let an adult edit and rewrite your essay to the point that it sounds like they wrote it and not a teen. The admissions committee expects it to sound like a 17 year old wrote the essay. They understand what that voice reads like.

Here is a quick outline of how to go about creating your essay.

1. Writing is a process. Have patience. Many students have been asked to write a personal narrative. If so, you can refer back to that assignment to help you start the process of your college essay. It should take at least 3 to 4 drafts for a well-crafted essay.

2. Take time to choose the right topic. A unique quality about you, experience or event should be discussed but it should be relevant to who you are today and who you want to become in the future. So, take time to write down a number of topic ideas. Think about them and start a draft of one or a few of your ideas. Over time, you will see which topic stands out and for which you feel most passionate about.

3. The idea you chose to write about should be simple. Simple.

4. Share a piece of who you are and reflect: For example, I am a listener. I like to ask questions and take the time to listen. At one of my first jobs, I realized that I enjoyed advising and working with students because I was a person in their life that listened to their thoughts and problems. It has helped me to be a strong student advocate, counselor and teacher.

5. Make sure you are answering the essay prompt. The common app essay is a 650 word essay.

6. Have a teacher or counselor review your essay.

7. Ensure that you have carved out time over the entire summer to dedicate to working through each stage of the writing process. Manage your time. You’ve got this!

Here is the website for the common app essay prompts:

https://www.commonapp.org/blog/2022-2023-common-app-essay-prompts

Every college needs an alum like Larry

Last month, I was on a college recruiting trip with my son who is interested in playing football in college. It was a cold, windy, cloudy early Spring morning and after a long drive to arrive at the college, needless to say, I was not really all that excited to watch another football practice for the next few hours. After about 30 minutes into the practice, a 65-year-old man came over to me and asked me where I was from and if I had any questions about the college. First, I was like, “where did this guy come from?” I was just standing on the side of the end zone of the football field, a few yards away from my son.

Well, 45 minutes later, this kind man told us all about his days at the college, his experience as a football player, how the school prepared him for a successful career and how his team won the D3 national championship his senior year, too. He shared with us a lot of current up-to-date information about the college and asked my son very friendly and engaging questions. He made a lasting impression on us both.

When I asked Larry why he was up early, and at this Saturday morning Spring practice, he replied, “Oh, I’m retired now, so I just decided to make the drive down from Syracuse, where I live, to watch the team.” I asked him how long the drive was from Syracuse, and he said, “Only an hour.” (Which in my book is a long drive to come watch a practice!).

Why am I posting a blog about Larry? Because every college needs a Larry. He was so kind, friendly and generous with his time to talk with a high school recruit and his mom (being me) about the school, what my son’s potential experience could be at the school, and why he should highly consider coming to the school. This is not a typical experience on a college recruitment visit. He made a lasting impression on my son and I.

The benefits of working with Lagemann College Consulting

Unlocking Your Potential: What It's Like to Work with Me on Your College Journey

Welcome to my corner of the college application world! If you're here, you're likely navigating the maze of essays, applications, and decisions that come with pursuing higher education. Allow me to introduce myself and shed some light on what it's like to work with me as your guide.

Personalized Guidance: Tailored to You.

Every student is a unique individual with their own story, strengths, and dreams. That's why my approach revolves around personalization.

I take the time to get to know you, understand your aspirations, and uncover the essence of what makes you tick. Whether it's a passion for astrophysics or a knack for creative writing, I'm here to harness your strengths and channel them into a compelling college application package.

Secrets of Success: Strategies Unveiled

Now, let's talk about the juicy stuff – the strategies. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that I only share with the students I work with. Why? Because your journey is special, and it deserves a bespoke approach. From crafting standout essays to designing a stellar application, I've got a toolbox filled with techniques that are tailored to elevate your chances of success.

But hey, it's not just about the destination – it's about the journey too. Working with me isn't just about churning out essays and ticking off application boxes. It's about self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. Together, we'll embark on a transformative voyage that goes beyond the confines of academia.

Confidentiality and Trust:

I understand the sensitivity of the college application process, and I hold confidentiality and trust in the highest regard. When you confide in me, you're entrusting me with your dreams, and I don't take that responsibility lightly.

The Proof Is in the Pudding: Success Stories

Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with incredible students who have gone on to achieve remarkable things.

So, there you have it – a glimpse into what it's like to work with me on your college journey. It's not just about crafting essays or filling out applications – it's about unlocking your potential, embracing your uniqueness, and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.

If you're ready to embark on this transformative journey with me by your side, I'm just a click away.

To my seniors who are graduating… a few things to keep in mind.

Dear Seniors,

usual, it has been a pleasure to work with you, see you grow and watch you through your final years of high school and prepare for the next step in life. I have a few pieces of advice to share. After being a freshman success seminar professor for many years and from working with teens for decades, I’ve learned a few things. The overarching theme is to gain social capital while in college! Here is what I mean-

1. Go to Office Hours: What are office hours? Professors and TA (teaching assistants) hold office hours either once or twice a week. They sit in their office and you can either stop by or meet with them virtually to discuss a recent paper you just received back, your overall grade, a question you may have or to gain guidance on how to navigate college in general. Establishing relationships with faculty will help you succeed in college, create connections outside of the classroom, effectively demonstrate communication skills and possibly build rapoire with a teacher who you might need to ask to write a letter of recommendation for either an internship, job or course.

2. Find a mentor: This can potentially be the result from attending office hours! But if not, seek out your academic advisor, coach, professor or another administrator such as a dean who is willing to work with you through college. A mentor can really coach you through the ups and downs of college life.

3. Build Social Capital across groups: This is key. Don’t just have one click of friends. Not only does that limit your social life but this limits your social connections that later in life could be a connection to an internship or potential job offer. Have friends in different groups- so join three types of clubs: 1. An academic club, 2. A career-related club and 3. A club just for FUN!

4. Use Campus Resources: There are so many great offices that colleges provide. You need to use them when needed such as the writing center, academic advising, health center, mental health services and the gym. No one goes through college without using the great resources on campus.

5. Go to class: This goes without saying but you will miss relevant information and you will be behind in the course if you do not attend class. Plus you will find your college experience more rewarding by attending class and you will do better grade-wise as well. Attend!

6. Give yourself Grace- The first semester is meant to be rocky. The first 6 weeks are full of “OMG, I’m in college” phase but after that wears off, you start to feel the realty-check that this is where you are for now and you need to settle down, attend class, forge relationships and live a balanced life. So, go easy on yourself. Everyone feels homesick but know that if you keep a set schedule and stay balanced, it will pass.

The First of many Lasts….

Dear Parents of High School Juniors, 

Your time is almost here. The time when your teen will start the first of many lasts. 

It happens every year for me as a college admissions counselor; I see families go through it annually. My family went through it a few years ago when my oldest graduated from high school and my youngest (twins) will be graduating next year.

But these lasts are unique. You usually don’t recall the last of anything you do. Can you recall the last time you did a cartwheel? Or what did you eat for dinner last Thursday?  These lasts, with your teen will fade into the past as well and life will move on to a new and exciting chapter. 

So here is my advice from someone who has not only lived through it as a mom but also guides parents through it on an annual basis. 

1. Embrace their senior year: This is a great time to feel their presence not only physically but also socially and emotionally. So whether they are your oldest or youngest, your family dynamic will inevitably change. Embrace it. Don’t reject or resist it. 

2. Lead by example: Change is the only constant in life. Show them that you can handle and prepare for the transition from them being a senior in high school to leaving for college with ease and grace. If you can handle it, then they can too. If you share too much of your sadness or sorrow for the change, they might internalize it and their transition to college might be more difficult. Your job is to prepare them to leave the nest, confident and ready to take on the next step in life.

3. Prepare: This leads me to say, focusing on the next step will help you do what is stated in #2. Share with your teen your enthusiasm for them to move on to college. Embrace it, don’t show them your sadness to the point they feel sad too. They need to prepare, as do you, so discuss what needs to be done before they leave; prom, graduation, final exams, AP exams, summer plans, first year orientation, what to pack, communicating with their roommate. Also, discuss the necessary legal documents that you may want to sign. (Reach out to me and I can explain in more detail). 

4. Celebrate: Last, but not least, make sure you celebrate their accomplishments. High school should not just be seen as a stepping stone to college but a time of enormous growth and development in their young lives. No matter where they are in their journey they are unique. Celebrate. And congratulations! 

The State of Standardized Testing: 2024-2025

Due to the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic, all colleges and universities needed to opt for a test-blind or test-optional standardized testing policy. Most have kept this policy in place for many reasons but this year we have seen a trend from a few highly selective schools opting to transition back to requiring a standardized test as part of the admissions application. These schools had required a standardized test prior to the Pandemic. This topic is constantly changing and news about schools and updates are daily.

Many in higher education wonder if this will be the start of a trend where we will see most schools go back to requiring either the SAT or ACT Here’s what I think will happen at least for the near future:

1. Many (but not all) highly selective schools that had required an exam will revert back to requiring one. There is a case for both sides of this discussion and different schools will make their own decision.

2. Schools that are not as selective, meaning the majority of all schools, will be a mix but most of them still stay test-optional; especially the colleges and universities that were test-optional or test-blind prior to the Pandemic.

3. Best advice is to check the admissions page of the colleges and universities that you plan to apply to and see if they are test-optional for the admissions cycle for which you are applying. 80% of colleges and universities are test-optional. https://fairtest.org (has a list of all test-optional schools)

4. And take either the SAT or ACT so you have a score, in case you need to submit.

The Recipe for College Admissions Success

I have been a college admissions consultant/counselor for almost a decade and I can now say that there has been one question parents often ask me at our initial meeting: “What does my teen have to do to get into college?” Or “What is the recipe for my teen to get admitted?”

These types of questions can be answered in a simple way. I tell the parent that the teen should be themselves to their best ability. And here is the recipe to do that:

1. R: Reflect: Self-reflect: The teen should reflect on what they find purpose in doing. Are they an artist, performer, dancer or singer? What about an athlete or maybe they started their own business walking pets. Whatever it may be, they should pursue it because it gives them purpose in life. When teens find purpose, they feel needed, self-confident, important and passionate about life. This, in turn, makes them feel ready for the next step in life: college. And this will show in their application.

2. E: Educate yourself about the right level of academics and academic rigor. This is very important in the admissions evaluation. This ingredient in the recipe for success in college admissions allows you to make sure you are taking courses in high school at the appropriate level. It’s important you are taking the courses colleges and universities look for, not just fulfill your high school graduation requirements; these can often be two totally different lists. Review course lists and analyze which courses you should register for and speak with your school counselor.

3. C: Comprehensive College List: It is imperative that a teen has a well balanced and realistic college list. This would include likely, target and reach schools. Use the latest admit rates to analyze and create a list with your teen. A well balanced list will give your teen a successful college admissions experience.

4. I: Itinerary: Use a timeline through the college admissions process. This will keep the teen organized when writing their college essays, completing applications, requesting letters of recommendation and registering for standardized tests, etc. When a teen is organized they will feel grounded and self-confident throughout the college admissions journey.

5. P: Prioritize and manage expectations: Life always has bumps, twists, and turns and so does the college admissions journey. Know that your teen might change their mind (a few times) during the process and that’s totally normal and OK. They are only 16, 17 or 18 years-old! And it’s OK to not know what they want to major in as well. Show them support and grace as they navigate entering into young adulthood. They need all the support possible in order to fly.

6. E: Empathy: As their parent, give empathy and grace throughout the college admissions journey. This is one, if the not the biggest decision your teen will make in their short life. They, at times, need time to evaluate, assess, and digest this decision. Have empathy for them.

Essential Tips for Writing A Great College Essay!

The common app essay is a unique part of your college application. Aside from your transcript, application, and test scores (possibly), it is one of the only parts of the application that can show a part of who you are that stands a part from the rest of the other applicants. It is your voice. I have helped hundreds of students write their essay. Here is my advice and my tips for how to write an amazing essay!

1. The essay should tell an authentic story about you. You have complete control over this part of your application.

2. Admission committees do not take a long time to read and review each application. Therefore, an essay that ‘hooks’ the reader will stand out in the admission officer’s mind, for whom, will inevitably, be the person that delivers and discusses your application to the committee.

3. Don’t write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. I repeat, don’t write what you think they want to hear. Your entire application should be about you, not someone who you think they’ll accept.

4. Do not repeat any information about you that has already been communicated in other parts or your application.

5. Speak directly. Your voice will be heard. Discuss parts of you that you are most proud of.

Here is a quick outline of how to go about creating your essay.

1. Writing is a process. Have patience. Many students have been asked to write a personal narrative. If so, you can refer back to that assignment to help you start the process of your college essay. It should take at least 3 to 4 drafts for a well-crafted essay.

2. Take time to choose the right topic. A unique quality about you, experience or event should be discussed but it should be relevant to who you are today and who you want to become in the future. So, take time to write down a number of topic ideas. Think about them and start a draft of one or a few of your ideas. Over time, you will see which topic stands out and for which you feel most passionate about.

3. The idea you chose to write about should be simple. Simple.

4. Share a piece of who you are and reflect: For example, I am a listener. I like to ask questions and take the time to listen. At one of my first jobs, I realized that I enjoyed advising and working with students because I was a person in their life that listened to their thoughts and problems. It has helped me to be a strong student advocate, counselor and teacher.

5. Make sure you are answering the essay prompt. The common app essay is a 650 word essay.

6. Have a teacher or counselor review your essay.

7. Ensure that you have carved out time over the entire summer to dedicate to working through each stage of the writing process. Manage your time. You’ve got this!

Here is the website for the common app essay prompts:

https://www.commonapp.org/blog/2022-2023-common-app-essay-prompts

Asking teachers for letters of recommendation….

Now that the end of the school year is near, it is time for high school juniors to ask teachers for letters of recommendation. Spring is the best time to ask. This gives teachers the summer to write letters. Remember, teachers do not get paid extra for writing letters of recommendation. They write them on their own time. Here are my tips for how to ask.

1. Ask in person: Find a time, either before school, after school or at lunch time to ask a teacher when they are not too busy. Make eye contact and ask if they’d be willing to write you a letter of recommendation for your college application. During the conversation, share with the teacher anything of interest about you that may help the teacher write a compelling letter. What major you may be interested pursuing, courses you might be interested in taking, an internship you are looking into etc. If your school provides a brag sheet for you to complete to help the teacher write the letter, make sure you complete it.

2. Ask a Core Course Teacher: Admissions offices look for letters of recommendation to be written by core course teachers. So, request a letter from your science, math, history, English, or foreign language teacher. If you are applying to a specialized college (STEM) and they request that you have a science or math teacher recommendation, make sure you follow through.

3. Ask a teacher that gave you an A (or B): Did you do well in the class? Even if you received a B for one quarter but improved your grade after that you can still ask that teacher. You want to ask a teacher from a core course that you did very well in and showed participation and enthusiasm.

4. Is the teacher from 11th or 10th grade? You should request a letter of recommendation from a teacher from 11th grade. But if that is not possible 10th grade would be the next best option. 9th grade is too far in the past. 11th grade teachers can write about your most current performance which admission offices look for.

5. Does the teacher specialize in what you want to study? If the teacher teaches in the field in which you want to study, bonus! This will help support your application tenfold!

Last, make sure to say thank you when asking for the letter of recommendation. Send a thank you note after the letter is written. Teachers who write letters of recommendation should be thanked!