August 2, 2024

Parent Q&A - Preparing for Application Essays

Welcome to Coach’s Corner, where we address questions asked by local student families. If you have a question you’d like us to address, please email us at contact@mystrivepath.com.

Question: My son is a rising senior at Miramonte. He plans to apply to public and private schools. When should he start writing his application essays? And do you have any tips?


Answer: The best time to start writing is a week or two after school lets out–so he should get started ASAP! However, if he wants to write his Common App essay on an activity he’s doing this summer, he should wait until the summer ends before beginning that essay. Instead, he should work on his UC essays.


Tip 1 and 2: Use Specific Details and the List of Three!

Specific details–about what you are, what people actually said , what you thought, how you actually changed–make the essay! The Rule of Three involves using three adjectives or three examples to add depth and vividness to descriptions.


  • Vague: I learned a lot during my internship.
  • Specific: My internship honed my skills in graphics, newsletters, and UX design.
  • Vague: My two students improved in algebra.
  • Specific: I saw an upward trend in their understanding of functions, solving of equations, and comprehension of many other topics.


Tip 3: Work on Essays One at a Time! 

Students run out of creative juice or mana when writing essays consecutively. To achieve better results, students should mostly complete their essay (90%+) before starting a new one. Also, as students revise, rewrite, and integrate feedback, their writing will improve and the next essay will be better written. Don’t rush the writing process but…


Tip 4: Stick to a Schedule. 

As you will need to write four total essays (for the UC application), try to finish each essay in 2-4 weeks. If you procrastinate, you might not have time to share your essays with family, friends, and teachers.


Tip 5: Share Your Essays with Others but Use Feedback Wisely. 

Don’t use all of their feedback! Your uncle (who went to Harvard Law) might tell you that your second paragraph is awesome while your chemistry teacher suggests you trash it. Who’s right? Share it with a few more people and triangulate! Maybe the second paragraph is great but could use a few tweaks.


In the end, trust your gut. Many editors want to do a great job and will over-edit your essay. Don’t let other people take over your essays!


About StrivePath

StrivePath empowers students and families with personalized academic and college advising, market insights, and community resources, ensuring holistic development and better outcomes. Happier students. Less stressed families. Better admission outcomes.


For more information, visitwww.mystrivepath.com.


April 8, 2025
Why We Are Excited to Deliver Our Services to the Fremont Community We are thrilled to announce the opening of StrivePath’s sixth office in Fremont, a location driven by the demand from local parents who are seeking relief from the stress and noise often associated with college and academic planning. As Fremont is known for its high-pressure environment, our mission is clear: to create a balanced and student-centered approach that focuses on what truly matters—the student’s growth, happiness, and long-term success. At StrivePath, we believe that the journey to college is about much more than just the destination. It’s about who the student becomes along the way. We’re not here to focus solely on admissions to prestigious schools; instead, we aim to foster students’ personal growth, helping them discover their interests, build strong academic habits, and develop the confidence needed to thrive in whatever path they choose. StrivePath’s Student-Centered Approach Our Fremont office reflects this commitment to holistic, personalized guidance. We recognize the complexity of the high school-to-college transition and the increasing stress families feel in the face of competing priorities. By offering in-person support, we aim to alleviate that pressure and give families the clarity they need to make confident academic and career decisions. Meet Maiya, StrivePath’s Fremont Consultant We are excited to introduce Maiya, who will lead our Fremont office with expertise, compassion, and dedication to helping families navigate the college admissions process. A Silicon Valley native, Maiya brings a wealth of experience as both an academic and college counselor. She has worked in both boarding and public schools, gaining a deep understanding of the varied needs of students from all walks of life. Maiya’s approach is rooted in her extensive background, having attended 200+ college tours across the U.S. and Canada. She has a deep understanding of both domestic and international college admissions processes, having reviewed first-year applications for three UC campuses. Her exposure to different academic systems, including International Baccalaureate (IB), makes her uniquely qualified to guide families through a broad range of college options. With a BA in Sociology from Brandeis University, a certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from UC Berkeley Extension, and a MA/MEd in School Counseling from Columbia University, Maiya brings both academic rigor and practical knowledge to her role. Above all, she is driven by a genuine desire to ensure families have the information they need to make the best college and career decisions for their students. “I’m passionate about supporting students and families in their educational journeys. StrivePath’s student-first philosophy truly resonates with me, and I’m excited to help families find peace and clarity during this important process,” Maiya shares. Why Families Choose StrivePath At StrivePath, we aim to reduce the stress that often accompanies academic and college planning. Our approach is designed to: Reduce Stress: We offer a supportive, student-focused environment where families feel heard and seen. Focus on What Matters: Our goal is to foster students’ self-awareness, identify their interests, and nurture their strengths—not just to secure a spot at a prestigious school. Bring Clarity: From academic planning to career exploration, we help families navigate each step of the process with confidence and ease. Through our in-person consultations, we bring local expertise, data-driven insights, and decades of experience to help families make thoughtful decisions and achieve better outcomes. Visit Us in Fremont Our Fremont office is now open and ready to serve the local community. If you’re a parent looking to reduce the stress of the college planning process and would like a more holistic, student-centered approach, we’d love to meet with you. Maiya and the StrivePath team are here to help guide you through this transformative journey. Let’s focus on what truly matters: building your student’s best self. Happier Students. Less Stressed Families. Better Admission Outcomes. Learn more or schedule a consultation at www.mystrivepath.com
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