Wisconsin even holds workshops to help students write their application essays.

Some summer programs have been crafted in a way to allow a student to write a compelling application essay:

So this year, the application essay, which parents might once have dashed off, has become a reason for more hand wringing.

In writing the essay, parents can turn to the seminars that focus on "idea starters for application essays."

"We take the application essay incredibly seriously," he says.

A student has far more time to polish an application essay than to burnish a 25-minute response.

The application essay is a common part of the university and college admissions process.

The application essay is the primary opportunity for the candidate to describe his/her reasons for entering a medical career.

He said his application essay was "about overcoming the challenges in my life."

Admissions criteria include overall performance in the undergraduate years, application essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews.