1. Why Story To College?
We help each high school student take charge of the application process. We teach them how to tell the stories only they can tell in the voice that is theirs alone. We do it with:
Master teachers from top universities. Our lead trainers all have graduate degrees from top universities, and our assistant trainers are upper-level undergraduate and graduate students at those same top universities who have been through the process recently and have learned the ropes.
Experience. We’re all trained in storytelling, essay writing, and performance, providing a comprehensive approach that empowers students to tell their own unique stories in college applications and interviews.
Proven tools and techniques. Our workshops are built around a proprietary, skill-building methodology, already used by corporate executives, artists, and community leaders around the world to communicate more powerfully. From 2009 – 2010 the Story To College curriculum was tested successfully with New York City high school students of all different ages, schools, and backgrounds.
Fun, fast-paced, collaborative learning. Our workshops create a unique environment that reduces students’ stress, refines their listening skills, and teaches our own unique techniques to help them write powerful essays and plan for confident, successful interviews.
2. Why storytelling for college applications?
Our brains are hard-wired for storytelling. Long after we’ve forgotten facts and figures, we remember stories. That’s why corporate executives and community organizers lead with stories. That’s why storytelling serves as the foundation of successful college applications and interviews. That’s why Story To College uses a proven storytelling methodology to help students reduce stress, conquer the college application process, and have fun!
Oral storytelling is a critical life skill and attribute of leadership, as Peter Guber describes in his recent, wildly popular Tell to Win published this year. It is increasingly important for success in education, business and life, as Daniel Pink writes in A Whole New Mind. Most high school students struggle to speak and write in their own voice. Parents frequently describe to us their children’s – and their own – frustration completing college application essays.
Responding to that frustration, Story To College uses oral storytelling to help high school juniors and seniors break down “the wall” many of feel between their life experience and their college application essays. We teach tools and techniques that generate successful essays, interviews, and financial aid applications, and leave formerly stressed-out students feeling like they have taken charge.
3. My daughter is already working with a private college counselor. Does she really need Story To College as well?
Yes! The services Story To College offers are unique to us and not usually included in the services of school guidance departments or private college counselors. Story To College provides a proprietary set of skills and techniques that will help your student discover more powerful essay topics and shape them into more authentic application essays and interviews. The work students do with other teachers and counselors – either in school or at home – builds on the foundation gained from the Story To College online Tool Kit and in-person workshops. And what students take away from Story To College will be useful to them far beyond the college application process, as they make oral presentations, graduate and interview for jobs, and grow into their career.
4. My son has really been struggling with his essay. He’s not a strong writer but has some great ideas.
As those of us who have worked in admissions will tell you, a strong essay that speaks to an admissions officer does not need to show both the style of Hemingway and the creative genius of Picasso. We’ve read wonderful essays whose content was strong while the style was quite simple, and vice versa. The bottom line: a simple, strong essay coming from the student’s own voice will have the greatest impact, and leave the student knowing they put their true, best self forward. Such an essay is within anyone’s grasp, and Story To College can help any student cut through the stress and the chatter to get there.
5. How can I help my daughter write her essay?
The best way you can help her is to not try to help! Let her know that you are there for her but,
- do not hover
- do not query
- do not ask for daily/hourly updates!
We parents mean well, but… the more we try to insert ourselves the worse we generally make things when it comes to the college application, essay included. Remember that this is one of your child’s first forays into the outskirts of adult independence—to becoming a person who won’t always have Mom and Dad in the next room managing things. So, let her take this first step on her own, with you on the edge as a kind of moral spotter.
6. With all the application fees and the expense of traveling to visit colleges, our family finances can’t support another college-related expense.
The skills your child learns at STC will serve them long past the college application process, so you can view this as a real investment in their future, not just a jumpstart to college.
But please contact us should finances prevent your child from enrolling in a workshop. We would like every student who wants to participate in a workshop to do so. We offer scholarships to about 10% of our students at the moment, and as we grow we will grow this number, as well: Info@storytocollege.com
