You have done your college visits, researched the credentials you need for your favorite school, gotten service hours for your application, but what can you write about on your essay? If you have the upcoming college essay workshop has answers.

Throughout the next few months, Carl Krause, college counselor, will be conducting a series of workshops centered around aiding upcoming seniors with the college application process. Monday’s workshop will focus on college essay writing, specifically examples and ideas proven to be successful in past years with various deans of admissions.

“Senior year comes with a lot of stress as there’s college applications to worry about along with classes you have to pass to graduate,” Krause said. “My goal is to give [upcoming seniors] some tips and advice that will make this whole process easier.”

According to Krause, the workshop serves as an introduction to arguably the most stressful part of the college application process. Other aspects, like  grades and credentials, are things a student already knows, Krause said, and essays produce the unique challenge of creating something new while talking about yourself.

“Talking about yourself can be incredibly hard for people. I hope the presentation will show them that they have a story to tell. Part of this workshop is getting them to think about what their stories are,” Krause said. “If they’re at that point, they can even start writing now. The prompts are out there.”

Gabby Quintavalli, junior, is a student ready to take advantage of that. According to Quintavalli, she has already started to research colleges and hopes to attend all of Krause’s workshops to start preparing early for the graduation process.

“Some friends of mine that are seniors said Mr. Krause’s [classes] really helped them get a sense of direction,” Quintavalli said. “I figured that if I can start as early as possible and get the help I need, why shouldn’t I?”

Quintavalli and Krause both agree that giving yourself more time and starting early can only help you in the process of applying to schools. According to Krause, students who wait to start taking action struggle to hurry towards completion and can’t produce the quality of work they’re capable of.

“I’ve seen senior friends of mine losing sleep because they’re struggling to finish AP homework, go to their club meetings, do their job, and write five different college essays all at the same time,” Quintavalli said. “I’m hoping at least outlining what I want to write about can keep me from being the same way.”

Overall, Krause wants students to know the essay is an important facet he hopes they won’t gloss over. According to Krause, essays help some schools find the right fit for their student body, and every applicant is capable of setting themselves apart from the rest.

“Write something they’ve never read before,” Krause said. “Surprise them. Find that thing about you that you want to tell other people about. Every student is unique, and every student has something to say.”