EP 230 Beyond Words: Crafting College Essays for Elite Admissions with Ben Urwand

Meet Ben Urwand, a distinguished scholar and the founder of Real College Essays. Ben's unique blend of historical expertise and admissions essay guidance provided invaluable insights into the often underestimated yet crucial role of the college essay in the admissions process.

Here's what we covered in today's conversation:

1. **Writing a Personal Essay for College:**

- Guidance for parents and high school students on the nuances of crafting a compelling personal essay.

- Tips on topic selection to capture the attention of admissions officers and strategies for avoiding generic or clichéd content.

2. **The Importance of the College Essay:**

- Exploration of why the college essay is frequently overlooked but holds significant weight in the eyes of admissions officers.

- Insights into the time commitment required for a 650-word essay and the reasons behind this investment.

3. **Overcoming Writer’s Block:**

- Practical advice for high school students dealing with writer's block.

- Strategies to initiate the writing process and manage anxiety associated with the college essay.

4. **Common Mistakes in College Admission Essays:**

- An examination of classic mistakes made by both students and parents in the college admission essay.

- Ben's expert counsel on avoiding pitfalls and ensuring a standout essay.

Ben Urwand holds a Ph.D. in History from UC Berkeley and was elected to the Harvard Society of Fellows in 2011. His groundbreaking work, "The Collaboration: Hollywood’s Pact with Hitler" (2013), brought international attention to Hollywood's dealings with Nazi Germany in the 1930s. In 2016, Ben began assisting students with their college admissions essays, helping hundreds gain admission to elite colleges. In 2023, he founded Real College Essays, focusing on breaking through the noise and making a lasting impression in the college admissions process.

Connect with Ben here:

Website: realcollegeessays.com

Email: ben@realcollegeessays.com

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