Tips and Resources for Students & Parents

Expert college essay advice for students and parents. Tips and resources to help families navigate the college admission essay.

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April 8, 2026

Keren Thoms

Is it still okay to write about politics?

Encourage your student to step away from the topic and spend time making sure they know what a personal statement is, why they are writing it, how it fits into the application, who reads it, and what admissions readers are looking for.

March 5, 2026

Keren Thoms

Invest in Yourself: Why Professional College Essay Training Is Worth It

This is not generic editing. It is mentorship in storytelling — tailored to competitive admissions. The strongest applicants are rarely the ones who go it alone. They are the ones who seek guidance, refine their narrative, and present themselves with intention.

February 9, 2026

Keren Thoms

How Do Colleges Use the Essays?

Assuming you are qualified academically for the school, effective essays can make a difference, tipping the balance in your favor when colleges must choose between applicants with similar qualifications.

January 5, 2026

Keren Thoms

What Do Admissions Want?

Since Wow opened in 2009, the answer to the question, What do admissions officers look for in a college essay? has not changed. The college essay has always offered an opportunity to show someone you may never meet just what kind of person you are.

December 22, 2025

Keren Thoms

Essay 101 From the Pros

In general, no matter what prompt you’re answering, your essay should be a story about you, focused on you.

December 8, 2025

Keren Thoms

What Is a College Essay, Anyway?

As admission to the nation’s most selective schools becomes more and more competitive, the college essay has increased in significance as well. That means to gain admission to college today, it’s likely you will need to write at least one college essay—and probably more.

November 24, 2025

Keren Thoms

Trust the College Essay Process

Here’s some insight from David Bersell, who has been with us for more than seven years, has worked with hundreds of students, trained countless IECs and school counselors, and supervises training for our team of coaches.

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

🎧 New Podcast Episode: Putting the Wow in Your College Essay Writing college essays is one of the most challenging—and often overwhelming—parts of the college application process. Where should students even begin? In this episode of the College Bound Mentor podcast, special guest Susan Knoppow, Co-Founder and CEO of Wow Writing Workshop, helps answer that […]

July 11, 2025

Keren Thoms

College Essays + Flourish Coaching Webinar Recap

Susan joined Lisa Marker-Robbins from Flourish Coaching, a career clarity coach who specializes in helping students discover their path, in an info-packed webinar. A must-view for anyone applying to college!

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.