Resources: Cyndy McDonald Friday Forum

We work well with counselors and consultants because we all care about the same thing: helping students get into the schools of their dreams. We focus exclusively on the essay – you’re already an expert on the rest of the admission process. We’re writers, teachers and problem-solvers; we’ll work with you to find the right solutions for you and your students. Tell us what you need. We’ll figure out how to get there.

The Wow Method

Last Update: May 20, 2025

Wow's 10 step college essay writing process, displayed in a color-coded graphic. Side one describes the Wow Method in detail. Use side two to make notes and consider how Wow can help you write your essay (students) or improve your process (professionals).

The Wow Method: Essay Review Guidelines

Last Update: September 12, 2022

Straightforward guidelines for reviewing essays at every stage.

Research Suggestions for Why Us Essays

Last Update: August 5, 2022

A list of suggestions generated by participants in Wow's March 2022 College Essay Community discussion.

How to Write Supplemental Essays

Last Update: March 30, 2022

A guide to writing supplements, including how to understand a variety of prompts and how to decide what to write about.

How to Write Why Us College Essays

Last Update: March 30, 2022

A guide to writing Why Us essays, including how to understand any Why Us prompt and how to decide what to include.

Free Pro Chats

Join us for an upcoming FREE webinar! We meet once a month to discuss a variety of college essay issues. Wow CEO Susan Knoppow will answer your questions and share tips to help you support your students through the college essay-writing process.

Free Book

We’ve written the only college essay book you’ll need – short, practical and full of proven strategies, so you can help students write the types of essays college admissions officers want to read. 

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Wow’s Professional Resources are Game-Changing

“At first, essays were the thing I worried about the most. It wasn’t until the Wow training that it all clicked. I feel like a burden has been lifted.”

- Faith Stewart, Bellingham, Washington

College Essay Experience

Learn the Wow Method: Write an Essay with a Wow Coach

If you've heard colleagues rave about "the Wow training," this is what they're talking about!

Join us for a fun and engaging college essay intensive! Learn our ten-step method from the inside out as you write a Common App personal statement, guided by your own private Wow coach. Participants tell us over and over that this is one of the most eye-opening, valuable experiences we offer. When you’re done, you’ll have new insight into the essay writing process, plus email templates, writing exercises, resources, and instructions to use with your students.

Did You Know A Wow Coach Can Work with Your Students?

College Essay Jumpstart

Get the Best of Wow: A Wow Coach Can Work with Your Students

At Wow, we emphasize process in everything we do. Our writing schedules are legendary. Our ten steps get proven results. With Jumpstart, a Wow coach will guide your students as they write their Common App personal statements and learn all they need to know to continue working with you or a Wow coach on supplements and other writing tasks.