Author: Kim Lifton

Kim Lifton is President of Wow Writing Workshop. Perceptive, resourceful and curious, Kim can get a story out of anyone. Kim is a former newspaper reporter and corporate communications manager. With Susan Knoppow, Wow’s CEO, Kim developed the Wow Method by combining her journalistic training with Susan’s organization and instructional design skills. She holds a BA in Journalism from Michigan State University. Kim’s articles on the college essay appear regularly in print and on the web, and her work has been featured in a variety of newspapers, magazines and online publications. Kim and Susan have co-authored three books – How to Write an Effective College Application Essay (The Inside Scoop for Parents, Students, Counselors). They are members/affiliates of the Michigan Association of College Admission Counseling (MACAC), the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA).

Tell Your Child to Trust Themself!

In this blog, we share some of Wow’s best advice for keeping your child calm while writing college application essays.

Tell Your Students to Trust Themselves!

If your students can think, they can write. In this blog, we share Wow’s favorite message for empowering students.

Will ChatGPT Be the End of the College Essay? + Frequently Asked Questions

It’s hard to tell the difference between what’s worth listening to and what’s not when it comes to the college essay. Wow gives the real scoop in these FAQs!

College Admissions Officer Essay Tips

I have discovered that whether admissions officers work at large, small, public, private or Ivy schools, they want reflective stories written by the student.

How to Write the Common App Essay (2023-24)

What should I write about?” is one of the most common questions we get from students about the common app essay prompts.

Brainstorming College Essays with Challenging Students

Teens are teens. Most don’t spend a lot of time dreaming about writing college essays; they stress over it. And, when it’s time to meet with an expert, they get nervous.

How to Get a Great Story out of Your Students

Listen and be curious to get a great story out of your students. They have a lot to say, guide them and let them say it.

5 College Essay Myths and Facts YOU Need to Know!

Here are five college essay myths and facts for a high school student to consider before writing any essay.

How to Prepare for the College Application Journey

This is a journey into self-discovery to teach your future college student how to be introspective and find meaning in life experiences.

The Easiest Way To Write Your College Application Personal Statement (#ClassOf2024)

Beware of the gimmicks and promises surrounding the college essay writing process. We hope you’ll ignore them because there really are no shortcuts.

A Holiday Message: Tell Me Something Good

At Wow, we always appreciate you and the hard work you do to support students and their families on their journeys to college.

How to Review College Application Essays Without a Red Pen

At Wow, w
e make sure that, first and foremost, students understand the prompt and can illustrate something meaningful about themselves in a genuine answer to any prompt that showcases at least one trait or characteristic that is important to the student.