This is a public event, open to both ENRICHri members and to non-members.

About the Event

Fall is a great opportunity for students to explore their interests, deepen their knowledge, or start something new. It's also a great time to start thinking about what to write for your college essay. It might feel daunting, but getting a head start is one of the most effective ways to manage your college essay writing.

Let's demystify the process during a 45-minute free informational session with Geoff Decker, founder of The College Essay Journalist. During this virtual event, Geoff will provide an overview of college admissions and how essays fit into the equation. In addition to tips for homeschool students applying to college, he'll share his three top insights to get started on college essay writing. Participation is encouraged, so bring your questions! We will reserve time throughout the event and after the presentation for questions and discussion. People who sign up will also receive a slew of free resources that Geoff has created and curated in his own learning journey through the college admissions space, including a "college essay starter kit" and a guide to the FAFSA & financial aid.

About – The College Essay Journalist

The College Essay Journalist is a 1:1 college essay coaching company founded by Geoff Decker to help students write and share impactful stories as part of their college applications. Through interview-style conversations, we specialize at the start of the writing process, helping students gain clarity and confidence in what to write about.

About Geoff – Professional

My name is Geoff Decker and I’m an award-winning education writer based in Rhode Island. With nearly 20 years of professional writing experience, my writing or work has been featured in The New York Times, Wall St. Journal, New York Magazine, Runner's World and ESPN The Magazine; I am a senior education reporter, writing about education for Chalkbeat, Hechinger Report and other local and trade publications. In 2023, I launched The College Essay Journalist to bring storytelling skills and journalistic methods to the college essay writing process. Through interview-style conversations, I specialize in getting students to talk comfortably, clearly and meaningfully about themselves to produce high-impact personal narrative statements.

About Geoff – Personal

I grew up and attended public high school outside of Albany, New York. I attended Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Public Relations. I lived most of my adult life in New York City, where I worked professionally as a freelance writer, education reporter, communications director, PR pro, and content marketing consultant. New York is also where I met my wife, started a family, and graduated from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. I currently reside in Cranston, Rhode Island. My wife and I have two young children (ages 7 and 4). Being their father is what I love to do more than anything.

The Zoom link will be emailed to registered families a few days prior to the event.