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High School Habits for College Success
Diane Schwemm
As a college essay editor—and a writer for more than 30 years—my message to students (and parents!) is simple:
You are enough.
That isn't to say guidance during high school isn't helpful. It absolutely is. A knowledgeable advisor or counselor can help students discover purpose, meaning, and opportunities to engage both inside and outside the classroom.
But there is an important difference between building a meaningful high school experience and simply trying to impress college admissions offices.
From my experience, padding a high school resume is a short-sighted way to try to game the system. Growing your resume, on the other hand, is a long-term investment in your future.
The students who experience the greatest success don't chase activities just to fill space. Instead, they explore, participate, and contribute in ways that strengthen their interests and talents—leaving both their resumes and their hearts full.
A comprehensive, thoughtfully written resume can help students become their best selves. It identifies strengths, highlights opportunities for growth, and reinforces accomplishments they can genuinely be proud of.
One student proudly told me she had "so much" experience in social media. But once we put everything on paper, we realized her experience was limited to managing school accounts.
That realization inspired her to secure an internship with a local pet shelter, where she expanded her digital marketing skills while pursuing her passion for animals.
I've seen this happen time and time again.
Looking closely at a resume often helps students discover interests they want to develop further. More than simply listing activities, a well-crafted resume tells the story of a student's growth and commitment.
Tip: Free online resume templates—and even AI tools—can help students organize their experiences into a polished, professional resume.
One of my favorite ways to begin the college essay process is by reviewing a student's resume.
The most meaningful conversations happen when students begin sharing the stories behind their activities. I can hear the excitement in their voices when they talk about something they truly care about.
Once students discover their "why," writing becomes more natural.
Every student I've ever worked with has a story worth telling. Helping them discover and express that story is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
Parents often ask how I'm able to help students write such compelling essays.
The answer is simple:
A good essay editor doesn't write the essay.
A good editor helps students discover their own voice.
Students should do the writing. Editors, parents, teachers, and coaches simply help them review, refine, and uncover their own brand of magic.
As college application season approaches, it's easy for families to become overwhelmed.
Over the years, I've learned that there is a place where every student can grow and flourish. For some, that's a four-year university. For others, it may be community college, trade school, or entering the workforce directly after high school.
The right path depends on the individual student—not someone else's expectations.
If college is your child's next step, the essay often becomes one of the biggest sources of stress.
But what if we looked at it differently?
Instead of viewing the essay as another hurdle to clear, consider it an opportunity to celebrate who your student already is.
Time after time, I've watched students become calmer and more confident once they realize they have permission to simply be themselves.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Instead of suggesting essay topics, ask thoughtful questions and listen carefully to what your student wants to write about.
This simple shift builds confidence, encourages self-reflection, and often leads to much stronger essays.
I learned this lesson firsthand with my own son. As a writer, I thought I knew exactly what he should write about. His successful essay came only after he chose the topic that mattered most to him.
Offer Gentle Support
Know when to offer help—and when to step back.
Sometimes the greatest gift parents can give is the freedom for students to own the process.
I've had countless parents thank me for encouraging them to let their students take the lead. It's incredibly rewarding to watch parents beam with pride as their child completes an essay that truly reflects who they are—with very little involvement from Mom or Dad.
Final Thought
As your family navigates the college application journey, remember this:
The strongest college essays aren't written by students trying to impress admissions officers. They're written by students who are comfortable being themselves.
And remember—you are enough.
