College Essay Workshop
This is a workshop I have given many times, on how to brainstorm and prepare to write the Common App personal statement. Hope it helps...
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COLLEGE
ESSAY TIPS
Brief articles and videos with pointers on the writing process, specifically for college essays.
Mike Demilio
2 min read
Walkabout
One of the most powerful weapons in your arsenal as a writer is your feet. The sole of each foot has more than 200,000 nerve endings in...
Mike Demilio
2 min read
Story Structure
Story structure is kind of like the armature in a sculpture; it lends form and prevents it from collapsing. I'm not a genius, but some...
Mike Demilio
1 min read
The Blank Page
How to break through the roadblock of the blank page. Ernest Hemingway called it "The White Bull." The blank page. You start typing,...
Mike Demilio
2 min read
Courage and Creativity
Today let's talk about courage. Guts. Intestinal fortitude. What does this have to with college essays? Everything. Summoning the courage...
Mike Demilio
2 min read
Map Your Mind
Early in the brainstorming process, mind maps are a perfect way to organize your thoughts.
Mike Demilio
1 min read
Visualization
Visualization can unlock your greatest power as a writer. The best writing, in my opinion, is visual. Serious writing professors will...
Mike Demilio
1 min read
The Elephant
You probably never knew an elephant could help you craft your most powerful and effective essays. In The Righteous Mind, Jon Haidt...
Mike Demilio
1 min read
Procrastination
Today let's talk about procrastination, because the clock is ticking! Ask any writer. There are times when we'd rather walk a mile on...
Mike Demilio
3 min read
Use ‘Joy Verbs’ to Discover Your Meaningful Nouns
Everyone wants to know your nouns: future career, college major, etc., but you should be thinking about the verbs that bring you joy.
Mike Demilio
3 min read
How to Avoid Loving Your Child's College Essay to Death
When it comes to parents helping their children with college essays, sometimes less is more.
Mike Demilio
3 min read
If You Want Your Kids to Get Into College, Accept Them Yourself
A name-brand school cannot validate your children’s existence, but you can. And that might make all the difference. After several million...
Mike Demilio
6 min read
"Wheels!!!"
One father’s perspective on the madness of youth sports
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