Sharon Epstein

February 8, 2014
by Sharon Epstein 2 Comments

Best Ways to Begin and End College Interviews

How you begin and end your college interview makes a difference.

Your college interview begins even before you say hello. It starts when the interviewer sees you for the first time and notices how you hold yourself, how you dress, if you smile.

Make a great impression: know how to begin and end your college interviews.

Be the First to Offer a Handshake. When you meet your interviewer, make eye contact, smile and hold out your hand. The interviewer will see someone who’s enthusiastic, confident and mature.
…

Greet the Interviewer by Name. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr./Mrs./Dean _______. Thanks for taking the time to see me.”
- Wait! Do you even know the interviewer’s name?? If you’re meeting an alum and you were contacted by email, check there. If you’ve made an appointment to see an admissions officer during a college visit, either ask for the name when you make the appointment or ask politely at the desk when you arrive.
- Use the interviewer’s correct title, such as “Dean Johnson.”
- What if the name is difficult to pronounce? Here’s what to say: “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Dzubak. Did I get the pronunciation right?” Give yourself triple bonus points for trying – because most students probably won’t.
- Want to remember your interviewer’s name? Take a notepad with you and write it down before you go.

Confidence Counts. I’ve answered my door to many students who look like they want to disappear into the woodwork. But it’s the student who stands tall and greets me with enthusiasm that has a head start. That’s the student who appears ready for college.
- You can be one of those students – all it takes is practice.
- Practice having an adult greet you. Work on your confidence level and greeting skills until you’re comfortable enough to handle the real thing.

When It’s Over, Say Thank You. You’d be surprised how many students (and adults) miss this important step.
You Can Also Say:
- “I really appreciate the opportunity to meet with you.”
- “I learned a lot today – it’s made me even more interested in attending.”
- “I really enjoyed talking with you. I appreciate the time.”
- “Would it be okay to get in touch if I have any more questions?”

These sentences are courteous and thoughtful. You’re letting the interviewer know that you’re aware he or she made time for you. When you appreciate that effort out loud, you make a good impression.

Send a Thank You Note.
- Send an email thank you right away. Follow up with a snail mail thank you within a week.
- In your note, mention something that you spoke about during the interview. For instance:

“Dear Dean Hart, Thank you for taking the time to speak with me last week. After we spoke, I researched the study abroad program you suggested and I agree with you—it looks like it could be an excellent match with my major.”

When you mention what you spoke about in the interview, or even include additional material that relates to your discussion, you’re creating a good impression. Your interviewer will take note, and that’s the way you start to build a relationship. Relationships can make a difference when colleges decide which students to admit.

Begin and end your college interview by using these steps. Your interviewer will be impressed.

Other helpful links:
From Go See Campus: Make A Great Impression In Your College Interviews
From Princeton Review: College Interviews

Sharon Epstein is a Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee, teaching students around the world how to master interview skills, write resumes, and transform their goals, dreams and experiences into memorable college application essays. She works with students everywhere: in-person, by phone, FaceTime, Skype and email. Visit my website for more info. Connect on Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.

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February 1, 2014
by Sharon Epstein Leave a comment

Read My New Interview on i-Student Global

I just finished an interview with i-student global: “A Cup of Tea with Sharon Epstein.” (Yes, I’ve been outed – tea is my drink of choice.) It gives an overview of college essay writing from my point of view.

If you haven’t heard of it, i-student global is an in-depth resource for students who want to study abroad. For the past several years, I’ve been a contributor to i-student global. The site’s packed full of information, resources, college scholarships, student blogs, and expert advice from college counselors.

Even if you’re not a prospective international student, you’ll find loads of college admissions resources that can be helpful in your own college application process.

While you’re there, check out the articles I’ve written for the site: “7 Tips for a Great ‘Why This School’ Essay,” “10 Tips for Writing a Successful College Application Essay” and “Writing Personal Essays in 500 Words or Less.”

Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting in Redding, Connecticut. A Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee, Sharon lectures extensively on essay writing. Sharon teaches students how to master interview skills, write killer resumes, and transform their goals, dreams and experiences into memorable college application essays. She works with students everywhere: in-person, by phone, Skype and email. Visit her website for more info. Connect on Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.

January 25, 2014
by Sharon Epstein Leave a comment

Jump-Start Your College Interview: Bring Photos

Want to jump-start your college interview?

Bring Photos. Why?

Photos can be great conversation starters.
- Imagine being able to say, “I’ve got some pictures of the play I starred in.” The conversation is off and running.
Sharing photos can put you at ease.
- Are you on the shy side? Pull out your photos. It will relax the conversation right away.
Photos help when something’s hard to explain.
- One of my students from Wilton, Connecticut, starred in a lot of plays. Instead of trying to describe the roles he played, he brought photos. The photos filled in the details so he didn’t have to describe each role, plus they showed him doing what he loved.

What kind of photos should you bring?

Anything visual. If you’ve been in a dance recital, concert, or marching band—if you’ve built a tree house, gone with your sports team to the state championship, or just come back from an experience you want to share—almost anything you’ve done can be a shared in a photo.

Avoid These Photo Pitfalls:

Too many photos! Edit your photos before you share them. Don’t bring a dozen when two or three will do.
Don’t make your interviewer wait while you thumb through a hundred photos. Find the photos you need beforehand. The object is to get the conversation started, not bring it to a grinding halt.

Above All: Everything you bring should represent you at your best. If you think a photo is too goofy, silly, or perhaps even inappropriate for an interviewer, don’t bring it. If you’re not sure, ask an adult.

Then share your photos and enjoy the conversation.

Helpful links:
5 Best Tips for College Interview Success
College Interview Tips: Is it Okay to Ask for Something to Drink?
College Interview Tips: How to Interview with an Alum
College Interview Tips: Combatting Nerves
Interview Tips: How to Interview with a College Sports Coach

January 18, 2014
by Sharon Epstein 2 Comments

5 Best Tips for College Interview Success

You’ve got a college interview. OMG. NOW WHAT!?!? Take a deep breath and read on.

Here are my 5 Best Tips for Interview Success:

1. Relax. It’s Normal to Be Nervous. Use these 4 relaxation strategies to help ace your college interview:

Arrive early so you can look around.
Take a brisk walk to shake off jitters.
Breathe! We forget to do this all the time.
Bring a bottle of water. Nerves can give you a dry mouth—you don’t want to feel like you’re chewing on a fist full of Saltines.

2. Decide On 3 Things You Want the Interviewer to Remember About You. This is a great way to feel more in control during your interview. If you decide on three ideas beforehand, you’ll never be fishing for something to say.

What should you choose? Any activity, accomplishment, goal or value that’s important to you. Think about:

Ways you’ve been a leader.
How you’ve contributed to your sport or school.
Your best qualities (You’re thoughtful, determined, loyal, etc.)
Your goals.

3. Be Prepared to Ask and Answer Questions.

Anticipate the types of questions you’ll be asked and practice answering them. (Don’t try to wing it. It doesn’t work.)
Have questions ready for the interviewer.
Tip: Don’t ask questions that are easily answered by the catalog or website.
I give you practice questions to ask and answer on my website.

4. Body Language Counts.

Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake.
Sit up straight.
Make eye contact.
Don’t fidget.
No gum or candy. (True story: One of my students kept reaching into his pocket, unwrapping and sucking on Starbursts, then shoved the papers into his pocket and wiped his hands on his pants.)
Dress nicely. Like your mom would be proud of.

5. Follow Up Right Away with a Thank You Note.

An email is fine, but if you want to stand out also send an old-fashioned, hand-written thank you. It’s one more way to make an excellent impression, which is exactly what you want.

Remember: A good interview is an exchange of information and ideas. Be prepared, be comfortable and enjoy.

I’ll be writing about more interview tips, so stay tuned.

Helpful links:
College Interview Tips: Is it Okay to Ask for Something to Drink?
College Interview Tips: How to Interview with an Alum
College Interview Tips: Combatting Nerves
Interview Tips: How to Interview with a College Sports Coach

Sharon Epstein is a Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee, teaching students around the world how to master interview skills, write stand-out resumes, and transform their goals, dreams and experiences into memorable college application essays. She works with students everywhere: in-person, by phone, FaceTime, Skype and email. Visit my website for more info. Connect on Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.

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November 25, 2013
by Sharon Epstein 1 Comment

Essay Writing Program Tomorrow Night – Bethel, CT

Don’t wait to learn what it takes to write a great college application essay – get a jump on the competition! Join me for a fun and informative program:

“What You Need to Know NOW About Writing a College Application Essay”

During this program you’ll:

Find out what colleges look for in an application essay
Read actual college essays and discuss why they did and did not work
Learn 3 proven ways to capture your reader’s attention

Most of all, you’ll leave knowing what you can do NOW to make your essays a success – even before you start writing.

When: Tuesday, November 26
7-8:30 pm
Where: Pro Access – Bethel’s Teen Center
1 School Street, Bethel, CT (located in the back of the Municipal Center)
Fee: Free for Bethel residents; non-residents $10
RSVP Necessary to: Hilda DeLucia at hilda@bethelproaccess.org or 203-482-1732

Don’t wait to learn what it takes to write a great college application essay – start learning now. Both parents and students are welcome!

Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting in Redding, Connecticut. A Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee, Sharon lectures extensively with college admissions officers. Sharon teaches students how to master interview skills, write killer resumes, and transform their goals, dreams and experiences into memorable college application essays. She works with students everywhere: in-person, by phone, Skype and email. Visit her website for more info. Connect on Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.

October 21, 2013
by Sharon Epstein Leave a comment

Danbury College High School Fair Tonight

Join me at the Danbury College & Vocational Fair tonight – Monday, October 21.

5 – 8:30 pm at the Danbury Fair Mall.

This is a HUGE college fair! Hundreds of colleges are represented. If you’re looking for a college, this is the place for you.

You’ll have the chance to talk to representatives and learn about the schools. You can pick up information, and ask questions.

Look for me when you come. I hope you’ll bring your questions about your college essays!

Sharon Epstein is owner of First Impressions College Consulting in Redding, Connecticut. A Writers Guild Award-winner and two-time Emmy Award nominee, Sharon teaches students how to master interview skills, write killer resumes, and transform their goals, dreams and experiences into memorable college application essays. She works with students everywhere: in-person, by phone, Skype and email. Visit her website for more info. Connect on Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.

October 7, 2013
by Sharon Epstein Leave a comment

Writing College Application Essays: The Failure of Faking It

Let’s get this out of the way – Never fake it.

Don’t make stuff up when you’re writing your college application essay.

I could spout off like a stuffy old aunt and tell you it isn’t right and that it’s not the assignment (it’s not), but let me give you a better reason – it can affect your chances of getting into the college of your dreams.

Why? Colleges can tell?

Yes. Often. If you’ve read thousands of college essays, you’d develop a nose for these things, too.

So let’s talk about the obvious question: Why do some students feel like they need to make it up?

1. They think it’s what colleges want to hear.
2. They think they don’t have anything to say.
3. Writing is hard! Making it up sounds better.

Here’s the truth:

1. Colleges want to hear about YOU. They want to discover the world through your eyes – who you are and how you think. So take them on that journey, not some warmed-over version of what you think they want, or who you think they want. Just give them you.

2. You are important enough and you do have something to say. College essay writing can be intimidating. Often, students think they don’t have anything to say because they’ve never had anything “big” happen to them, like a life-changing event or a special vacation or trip. But that’s a myth. You don’t need anything big to write about. Colleges get that. They just want to learn what’s meaningful to you.

3. Writing IS hard. That’s the assignment. You’re not going to polish it off in one draft. Making it up might speed up the process, but it won’t make it a successful one. You’ll miss important details you could only write about if they happened. Unfortunately, the colleges will miss those details, too.

An Example of Why Faking it Fails:

A student didn’t want the colleges to think he was part of a losing football team. “We’re having a great season!” he wrote. “The offense is like a brick!”

That’s what he thought the schools wanted to hear.

The truth was, the team was having a poor season and the student was affected by that. He even thought about quitting but decided to stick with it and worked to improve the team.

Since he faked it, the student didn’t have a chance to show how he helped his teammates work through a bad situation.

If you were a college reader, what would help you decide to admit this student – hearing him brag, or learning how he demonstrated resolve and teamwork during a tough time?

Real life is better when you don’t fake it.

Really.

August 27, 2013
by Sharon Epstein Leave a comment

10 Tips for College Admissions Video Essays

Hey – check it out – I’m quoted in the latest issue of Hartford Magazine on how to submit video essays!

Have you heard about video essays? Several colleges, including George Mason and Tufts, give students the option of submitting a video essay.

They don’t replace written essays (sorry), but if a school gives you the option and you’re interested – go for it!

Here are 10 Tips for Creating Video Essays:

Dream it, Do it. The sky’s the limit when it comes to deciding how your video will look. I’ve seen students talk directly to the camera, create time-lapse photography, and even use no dialogue at all. One student spent her entire time eating and another took the admissions committee out on a “dinner date” to get to know him. Bottom line: Be original (and don’t copy).
Take risks, BUT. Be creative, silly, funny, intense, emotional – you can be anything you imagine in a video essay. Just remember, like your written essays, you want the final impression to be positive.
Create a plan. Brainstorm, then write an outline or a script so that you know the direction you’re headed and how long it will take.
Answer the prompt. This is critical. Read the entire prompt and make sure you answer the question. Stick to the time limit.
It’s about content, not quality. If you’re tech savvy show off your skills, but you don’t need high tech equipment – a phone will do. You do need: 1. Enough light to see your face. 2. Clear audio.
Energy up. Do you know that cameras can seem to sap your energy? (I spent a long time in the TV biz) So keep your energy level up when you’re recording.
Is it me? When you’re done, look at your video with an objective eye. Ask yourself, “What will the college think about the person who made this video? Is this me? Have I shown myself in the way I want to be seen?”
Be appropriate. While you may have made some funky YouTube videos in your lifetime, remember that this video will be screened by adults at the college you want to attend. Speak, act, and dress in a manner that will make the admissions committee think well of you.
Privacy alert. If you’re using YouTube and you don’t want the world to be able to see your admissions video, use privacy controls.
Sending in a video is optional. You won’t be penalized if you don’t submit a video essay.

A Cornell Dean’s Advice For Parents Of New College Students – Forbes

Are you a parent of a new college student?

Forbes has published excellent advice to help the entire family adjust. The advice is from David DeVries, associate dean for undergraduate education in Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Some of the highlights include allowing the students to “figure it out for themselves,” advice on managing studying and sticky roommate situations, and more serious matters such as homesickness, insecurity, anger and disappointment.

Here’s the article:
Some Advice For Parents Of New College Students – Forbes.

July 19, 2013
by Sharon Epstein 3 Comments

3 Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Start Writing Your College Application Essay

Sooo…. you’ve got some essays to write.

When are you going to get started?

Today?

No?

Tomorrow?

Here are 3 Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Start Writing Your College Application Essay:

Go Outside. Yes, you heard me right. Think about your essay everywhere EXCEPT in front of your keyboard. This works, because it allows your brain to become more creative and relaxed. So walk your dog, ride your skateboard, take a swim – let your brain be inspired.

Freewrite: Do you have an idea or two but can’t get a decent sentence on the page? Then freewrite. Give yourself 10 or 15 minutes and write a train of thought paragraph about your topic. Close your eyes and try to put yourself in your story. Write what you felt, heard, tasted, saw, smelled. What were your emotions? What were you thinking? How did it affect you? You’ll be surprised at the material you come up with. After that, you should be able to move on to your essay.

Forget about writing “THE ESSAY.” Yes, the college essay is important but I’ve met students who are actually afraid to start writing. They feel so much pressure to choose the perfect topic and make the essay convey everything that’s special about them that they start to panic.

Here’s what I tell them:

Your essay isn’t your resume. You only have 650 words. You have to choose what you want to tell the colleges about you – not throw in the kitchen sink.

You Don’t Need a One-of-a-Kind Topic. Why? Because YOU are the unique part of your essay. While other students may choose the same topic, no one will react to it, learn from it or grow from it the same way. Schools want to understand your perspective. They want to see the world from your eyes.

Don’t settle for easy answers. This is an excellent tip for writing a great essay. Look inside yourself and dig deep for this essay. One way to do that is to keep asking yourself “why?” “Why is it important for me to tell this story?”…”Why did I react this way?” Take the time to figure out those answers and you’ll have an essay to be proud of.

Sooo… you’ve got some essays to write.

What are you waiting for? Go outside and get started.

Applying To College

College Essay Writing and Interview Skills

Author Archives: Sharon Epstein

Best Ways to Begin and End College Interviews

Your message has been sent

Read My New Interview on i-Student Global

Jump-Start Your College Interview: Bring Photos

5 Best Tips for College Interview Success

Your message has been sent

Essay Writing Program Tomorrow Night – Bethel, CT

Danbury College High School Fair Tonight

Writing College Application Essays: The Failure of Faking It

10 Tips for College Admissions Video Essays

A Cornell Dean’s Advice For Parents Of New College Students – Forbes

3 Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Start Writing Your College Application Essay

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