Master the College-Entrance Essay Part 1 of 8: Understanding the Prompt

In this first of eight videos, Good Comma Classroom instructor and veteran writing coach Mr. Greg Kurtz unpacks the two questions at the heart of every college-essay application prompt:

1. What happened to you? 2. How did you grow?

The best way to start is … to start. So, let’s get going!

Master the College-Entrance Essay Part 2 of 8: Letting the Right Prompt Select You

Don't let fear stall your ascent!

In Part 2, Good Comma Classroom instructor and veteran writing coach Mr. Greg Kurtz demonstrates how to eliminate certain college-entrance essay writing prompts at the beginning of your writing process, so you can fearlessly focus on prompts ready to be rocked by your newfound confidence in drafting.

Master the College-Entrance Essay Part 3 of 8: Finding Your Story

"But what should I write about?!"

We heard that. The answer is easier than you think! In Part 3, Mr. Greg Kurtz goes beyond “writing coach” to “life coach” to help you recognize that your short life has generated far more stories than you probably realize. Then he helps you pick one that will impress readers of your college application.

Master the College-Entrance Essay Part 5 of 8: Drafting Your Story

You knew this day was coming. But now, you're no longer dreading it!

Remember your training. (If you've forgotten, go back and re-watch Parts 1 through 4.)

In Part 5, flight instructor—oops, we mean writing instructor— Mr. Greg Kurtz clears you for takeoff. It's time to write!

Master the College-Entrance Essay Part 6 of 8: Landing Your Story

A tale of two poorly finished stories: One ended in cricket noises rising out of the deafening silence of sleepy readers. The other never ended.

We won't let that happen to you. In Part 6, Good Comma Classroom writing coach Mr. Greg Kurtz helps you ease your story across the finish line with grace, poise, and aplomb, leaving your readers with exactly the impression you intended--and thinking about how great it would be if you attended their college!

Master the College-Entrance Essay Part 7 of 8: Murdering Your Darlings

With friends like these, who needs enemies?

It's time for some hard truth. That phrase you can't let go? That word you are so sure makes you sound smart? That sentence that took you 25 minutes to craft? Yeah, they're ... not working. And that means they gotta go. In Part 7, Good Comma Classroom’s Mr. Greg Kurtz will guide you in the art of slicing and dicing your draft and refining it unto perfection.

Master the College-Entrance Essay Part 8 of 8: Debriefing Your Flight

What a wild rush that was! Congratulations on crafting an exceptional college entrance essay. Now what?

In this final installment of Good Comma Classroom's "Master the College-Entrance Essay" video series, instructor and veteran writing coach Mr. Greg Kurtz encourages you to collect all the feedback you can on your essay. Start with yourself, then try your friends, parents, and teachers.

We want to read it, too! As professional writing coaches, we are uniquely positioned to give you honest, informed feedback on your essay and tips for improving it, thus boosting your chances of success as you apply for college admission and scholarships.

So, drop us a line, or ask us for help.

Or hire us for a personal, one-on-one writing coaching session.

Or purchase our “Master the Writing Process” 5-Part video series with optional assignments, bonus videos, parent/teacher supplements, and other resources.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

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