Every great admissions essay starts with an even greater idea. Thus, our editors work closely with students to first and foremost brainstorm compelling life stories. These brainstorm sessions touch on topics such as failure, learning something new, personal philosophy, important life moments, academic and personal struggles, among many others. The most interesting narratives are then outlined into the Main Essay, the Why My Major Essay, and smaller supplements.

While many students think that effective essays must be about leadership and success, or revolve around an exotic experience, this is not always the case. Some of the strongest essays touch on deeply personal subject matter–ones that some students initially may feel reluctant to talk about. But stories about family issues, disagreement with authority, moments of immaturity, or instances of failure often make the most memorable essays. The driving force of an effective essay is in the student’s ability to reflect on these experiences with insight and maturity, which is just one–among many–areas that editors lend their expertise and advice. Our editors are also skilled in making students feel comfortable, often acting as mentors in addition to academic counselors.

But how does an otherwise mundane story turn into a memorable admissions essay? The answer lies in creativity. All of Telos’ editors have a creative writing, rhetoric, or humanities background, and apply their lateral thinking skills towards outlining unique and insightful essays. With decades of combined experience in college consulting, Telos’ editors pride themselves on not only their command over language and grammar, but also in their ability to approach stories from novel perspectives. In essence, essays are not treated as components of the application–they are treated as extensions of the students themselves. And because each student is complex and unique, so are the essays.