Even at most of the rigorous, private, secondary institutions, the craft of writing is not a focal point in English classes.  Most students are taught the basics of a 5-paragraph essay, mechanics, and grammar.  The problem is that composition is a skill honed over time.   It is a process not completed in a vacuum, where the writer and teacher are equally engaged in a back-and-forth process to improve every step of the way.  Every word is seen as an opportunity to grow and improve skills.  Advanced mechanics, grammar, syntax, formatting, thesis statements, citations, bibliographies, and critical analysis simply aren’t taught in a way that prepares students for college.   One of the biggest issues high school writers face is an inability to synthesize information. These problems are cumulative, rooted in curriculum, and are systemic.   

Experts agree that writing ability has markedly declined over the past several decades because of curriculum problems.  This downturn means that today’s high school students are largely unprepared to pen a cogent admissions essay, and, worse, they are not ready for the rigors of collegiate composition once they matriculate.  

Frequent access to high school guidance counselors is strongly associated with matriculating and completing college because counselors can help students spot writing deficiencies and address them before it’s too late.  So, what’s the problem?  In America, the current ratio of high school students to on-staff guidance counselors is 482:1.

While BrightMind Writers are usually approached for the immediate need of crafting a compelling admissions essay, students and caregivers should also focus on the long-term goal of mastering the standards needed upon high school graduation so they can to succeed in college.