Developmental Approaches for Supporting Students in the Application Essay Writing Process

Abstract

This chapter provides guidance on how pre-health advisors can use a variety of developmental approaches informed by narrative theory to effectively support students in writing application essays while fostering their personal growth. Intentional reflective writing practices can counter disempowering forces for students, refocusing them on their personal development and putting patients at the center of their future careers. Through writing workshops, exercises, and individual work with students, advisors can provide a space for students to reflect on their experiences, themselves, and future careers. Advisors can help students build the empathic engagement and reflective skills necessary to become skilled, compassionate caregivers. The work that pre-health advisors do with students as they develop their application essays is vital as a means of helping them construct the central guiding narrative for their future careers in caring for patients.