Editor's example
Your teenager hands you their college application essay. The opening is strong, but the middle turns into a list of achievements.
Can you read my college essay? Be honest.
Tone: Polite · Serious advice
○ Replies that work
I love the first paragraph. It really sounds like you. Want me to mark the spots where it starts to read like a resume?
Why it works: Starting with something true and specific, then asking before you critique, keeps them in control of their own essay.
The story about fixing Grandma's bike is the best part. What if the whole essay were built around that?
Why it works: Pointing to one concrete strength gives them a clear direction to improve, which is more useful than a general score.
Honestly? I got a little lost in the middle. That might just be me. Want to read it out loud together?
Why it works: Framing the problem as your reaction, not a verdict, makes honest feedback easier to hear and invites them to work on it with you.
× Replies to avoid
It's fine, just send it.
They asked for honesty, and a shrug tells them you didn't really read it.
When I applied, we didn't need essays like this.
It makes the moment about you and a different time, instead of the page they're nervous about.
Practice prompts
- “Does my cover letter sound okay?”
- “I think I messed up the group project.” Practice with this prompt