Tips and Resources for Professionals

Expert college essay advice for high school counselors and education consultants. Find tips and resources to help students navigate the college admission essay.

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October 10, 2025

Keren Thoms

College Essay Secrets Podcast – Crack The Code

Few writing tasks feel as overwhelming—or as high-stakes—as the college application essay. But what if crafting a compelling personal statement could actually be simple?

September 15, 2025

Keren Thoms

Theme: The Secret to a Great College Essay

A standout college essay isn’t about shocking drama or the “perfect” story—it’s about theme. Your theme gives your essay focus, purpose, and power. It’s what turns a simple story into a meaningful statement that captures who you are.

August 21, 2025

Keren Thoms

Podcast – Putting The Wow in Your College Essay

July 13, 2025

Susan Knoppow

Let Go of the Imperfect Essay

Do you ever catch yourself saying these things after reading a student’s essay?- He could have … - If she would only … - I saw such potential …At Wow, we find ourselves there too, but we quickly recover. Here's what we do to get back on track.

June 30, 2025

Keren Thoms

Webinar Recap with Wow Writing Workshop & Applerouth Education

Crafting a standout college essay can feel like a daunting task—but it doesn’t have to be. In a recent educational webinar co-hosted by Susan Knoppow from Wow Writing Workshop and Applerouth Education, students and families gained insider knowledge on the dos and don’ts of college essay writing.

May 30, 2025

Keren Thoms

AI and College Essays: What Families Need to Know Podcast with Flourish Coaching

Artificial Intelligence is changing the landscape of education—and college admissions is no exception. In a recent podcast episode, Wow Writing Workshop teamed up with Flourish Coaching to tackle an important and timely topic: AI and College Essays.

September 1, 2024

Joe Kane

Tell Your Students: Don’t Revise College Essays When You’re Nervous!

When your college essay is done, reviewed, proofed - leave it alone. Don't revise your college essays when you are nervous - or about to click send on your Common Application!

August 15, 2024

Kim Lifton

The Easiest Way To Write Your College Application Personal Statement (#ClassOf2025)

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

August 15, 2024

Kim Lifton

Are Your Students’ Essays Flat? Don’t Blame Brainstorming!

Engaging discussions don't lead to effective, better college essays.

May 13, 2024

Kim Lifton

How Will the Supreme Court Decision and ChatGPT Affect 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!

May 1, 2024

Kim Lifton

Don’t Dismiss the Cliché

April 23, 2024

Kim Lifton

College Essay FAQs for Professionals

There’s no such thing as a “best” essay topic. We want to help students write effective essays, which looks different for each student.