🏫 College Advising

An advisor reviews a student's essay draft and observes that it reads like an essay they think an admissions committee wants to hear, rather than reflecting the student's authentic voice or individual personality. What is the best initial action for the advisor?

A Directly rewrite sections of the essay to inject the student's personality.
B Ask probing questions to help the student identify and articulate their genuine feelings, values, and unique perspective.
C Suggest the student use more sophisticated vocabulary and rhetorical devices to elevate the writing.
D Advise the student to scrap the current topic and choose a more 'impressive' life event.

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

An advisor's role is to guide, not write. Asking probing questions empowers the student to discover and express their own authentic voice and insights, fostering deeper self-reflection and ownership of their narrative.

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