Student Blogging: Part 1

The Advantages of Starting a Student Blog

In the competitive world of college admissions, many factors are considered in the admissions process. Committees must weed through test scores, transcripts, and recommendations, but extracurriculars also play an important role. These outside activities can include sports teams, school clubs, and volunteering—in truth, the sky is the limit when it comes to highlighting interests and activities you participate in regularly. For some, starting a student blog has become a way to express themselves creatively and to showcase their work. Blogging in high school is a great way to provide admissions counselors with insight into who you are while honing skills you will use in college and beyond.

There are numerous benefits to blogging for students:

1. Academic. One of the most obvious benefits of blogging is that it offers the opportunity to sharpen writing skills. Reading and creative design skills can also be honed in researching and setting up a blog. Whether it be calling attention to a specific subject matter or promoting a cause or event, marketing a product or service, or highlighting personal achievements—blogging offers the opportunity to learn about things not traditionally taught in the classroom and can improve one’s critical thinking skills. All of these things can have a noticeable impact on grades and can attract the attention of colleges.
2. Personal. There are many personal skills that can be honed through blogging. Successful bloggers learn time management and organizational skills. With everything students have going on, it is essential to have these skills. They learn how to set goals while writing about things they are passionate about. They become comfortable with stepping out of their comfort zone when researching and writing about new topics and ideas. Increased attention to detail is required, as is open-mindedness. (It’s not always easy to accept new ideas or criticism, but it’s a part of life.) Improving communication skills and putting constructive criticism to good use are also advantages of blogging.
3. Mental. Writing a student blog can be very therapeutic. It’s an excellent stress reliever and provides a way to “reboot”. It’s also a very constructive way to spend free time, while enjoying the things that interest you most. Bloggers often have a greater handle on procrastination, as they are spending their time doing something creative and meaningful instead of engaging in non-productive or even harmful activities. It offers a way to learn more about the things you love, which can be a welcome change from daily academic tasks.
4. Professional/Career. Perhaps the greatest professional benefit to blogging is that it offers the opportunity to create one’s brand. A big part of college admissions is promoting yourself, and blogs offer an excellent opportunity to do so. Some students go on to start businesses and become influencers through their blogs, while others use them to build professional relationships. Regardless, having a blog looks great on a resume and should be highlighted.

No matter what your reason is for starting a blog—for fun, influence, or income—it is a great way to introduce yourself to college admissions counselors. Here you have the opportunity to show exactly who you are—your strong personal characteristics, passions, and talents. The best part is that you have total control over this. There is power in writing, and you can use it to your advantage.

How to Start Blogging

If you would like to learn more about starting and promoting a student blog, be sure to read our next article, How to Start a Student Blog. At Moxie College Counseling, we are experts at helping students promote themselves to colleges. We help them set realistic goals and support them as they work towards reaching those goals. For more information about navigating the college admissions process, please contact us today.