The Common App agrees with what I wrote

The Common App agrees with what I wrote on Forbes.com about the value of year-end reflection for teenagers. Reflecting on "what truly mattered in their experiences" contributes to students' personal growth and when the time comes, helps "bring clarity to their college application." Here’s what they posted on LinkedIn:

“A recent Forbes article highlights how year-end reflection can help students articulate what truly mattered in their experiences and bring clarity to their college application, specifically the Common App personal essay!

At Common App, we see this play out every admissions cycle. Encouraging learners to pause, look back on the year’s moments, and capture those insights early not only strengthens essays — it helps students understand themselves better and tell their stories with confidence.

For counselors and advisors guiding students right now, reflection can be one of the most powerful tools in your toolkit as application deadlines approach.”

I'm thrilled. And I hope you sit down with your middle-school or high-school student and write down your thoughts about the year gone by, and your hopes and plans for the coming year.