When receiving your college application, what is your first thought when you read the line  “This essay is optional?” The average teenager would probably say, “Oh, it’s optional. That means I don’t really have to do it.” But according to FCHS College Adviser Fiona Charles, that could be a huge mistake. Helping students avoid mistakes like this and get into the college of their dreams is what Charles’ job is all about.

Located in the Career Center on the 3rd floor near the Math hallway, Charles spends her days helping students choose colleges, write college essays, apply for scholarships, and make career plans.  And Charles knows what she is talking about–  she just graduated from the University of Virginia last May. While she had athletic scholarship offers to play volleyball or run track, a mentor encouraged her to choose UVa and consider relying on academics rather than solely on her athletic ability. It was a good choice: The day before classes started, Charles broke her leg, putting an end to her sports-in-college plans. Charles said it ended up being a positive thing, noting that if it were not for this incident she would not have focused on her class work as much. “That’s why they call them ‘student-athletes’; they [should be] a student before they are an athlete,” Charles said.

Charles has lots of great advice to give Flucos a leg up on their post-high school plans. For example, she notes that although many college applications state an essay is optional, students should always write one. “Even when the essay is optional, do it. College essays give you the chance to show your talent in writing and your creativity,” said Charles. It’s advice that many students take to heart. “I would include an essay even if it wasn’t required. It helps set you apart from other college prospects and gives you a chance to show some writing talent,” said sophomore Andy Guess.

Charles recommends that when writing a college essay the topic should have a significant meaning to the writer. If the application gives you an open-ended prompt, Charles suggests that you start by brainstorming to kick off the writing process. Colleges want to read an essay and be able to determine what makes the writer different from every other applicant. The college essay should appeal to the reader’s emotions; the writer should make the essay relatable.

Once you’ve written your draft, what then?  “Write it. Leave it. Come back to it. Change it,” Charles said (and proofread carefully!).  College essays are a form of expression, Charles said, so be passionate and detailed about your topic of choice. Keep in mind that some college essays can be used to apply for scholarships as well. Academic accomplishments always add to the mix and spice up an application. Add all of these ingredients together and the outcome will be an excellent application…hopefully followed by an acceptance letter.

How can you meet with Charles? You can drop by her office (Room 3213) during lunches or between class changes, or ask your teacher for a pass.