Ryan Abramson: A College Essay Guide for Students in Bucks County, Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley
Sep 1
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Ryan Abramson of Oakridge Leaders champions equity and authenticity in college admissions.
In today’s competitive world of college admissions, the pressure to stand out is higher than ever. Students across Bucks County, Langhorne, Philadelphia, and the Lehigh Valley are navigating a landscape filled with uncertainty, where every essay, test score, and extracurricular seems to carry enormous weight. Recently featured in the Associated Press News, Ryan Abramson from Oakridge Leaders shares some thoughts.
But here’s the truth: authenticity wins.
As Ryan Abramson, Principal of Oakridge Leaders and a seasoned consultant with over 25 years of experience in communications and education, has shared in platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, and Vocal: the essays that resonate most with admissions officers are the ones that are honest, personal, and reflective.
Why Authenticity Matters
College admissions officers read thousands of essays each year. What sets a student apart isn’t a dramatic story or a perfectly polished draft — it’s the ability to show who you really are.
As Ryan emphasized in his recent LinkedIn article, students often think they need to tell a story about overcoming insurmountable odds or crafting a flawless narrative. The reality is much simpler:
“Admissions officers want to meet the real you. Too often, students feel pressured to write what they think colleges want to hear. The most powerful essays are honest, thoughtful, and deeply personal.”
This commitment to authenticity is not just advice — it’s a proven strategy that Ryan and the team at Oakridge Leaders have refined over decades of guiding families through the admissions process.
Equity and Access in Admissions
In addition to authenticity, Ryan advocates for equity in the admissions process. His work, highlighted in KXAN News, emphasizes that every student — regardless of their background, school, or ZIP code — should have access to the tools and support they need to tell their story effectively.
This focus on fairness is particularly critical in areas like Bucks County and Philadelphia, where diverse communities bring unique experiences to the table. Essays are a way for students to own their narrative and highlight the perspectives that make them stand out.
Lessons Learned Over 25 Years
Drawing on more than two decades of experience in education and communications, Ryan has seen the common mistakes students make — and the strategies that work best. As outlined in his Medium feature and Marketers Media profile, here are some key takeaways:
Start with reflection, not writing. Think deeply about your experiences and how they’ve shaped you before you draft a single word.
Avoid clichés. Admissions teams can spot overused essay topics — like winning the big game — from a mile away.
Show, don’t tell. Specific details and personal anecdotes create a vivid picture that engages the reader.
Seek feedback, but keep your voice. Guidance is helpful, but the essay needs to sound like you — not a parent, teacher, or tutor.
A Local Perspective for Bucks County and Philadelphia
For students in Langhorne, Newtown, Yardley, or the Lehigh Valley, the college admissions process can feel overwhelming. But as Ryan notes in his MyChesCo feature, the key to standing out often comes from leaning into your local story.
From highlighting community service projects in Bucks County to sharing experiences in Philadelphia schools, students can draw from their personal environments to create essays that feel unique and grounded in place.
Owning Your Voice
The central theme of Ryan’s approach — one reinforced in his LinkedIn presence and creative platforms like Behance — is ownership.
Owning your voice means:
Writing with confidence.
Embracing vulnerability.
Allowing your personality and perspective to shine through every sentence.
This process is not just about securing admission to a dream school. It’s also about personal growth and learning to express yourself authentically — a skill that will serve students well long after the application season ends.
Why This Matters for Ryan Abramson
In the digital world, visibility matters. Sharing authentic, positive content across platforms like Medium, LinkedIn, and Vocal ensures that students, parents, and community members searching for college admissions advice in Bucks County, Langhorne, or Philadelphia will find relevant, authoritative resources from Ryan Abramson and Oakridge Leaders.
Key Takeaways for Students and Families
If you’re preparing a college essay this year, keep these principles in mind:
Be yourself. Authenticity trumps perfection every time.
Think locally. Your experiences in your community are unique — use them.
Start early. Reflection and drafting take time; don’t rush the process.
Stay grounded. Remember that your essay is one part of your story, not the whole story.
Ryan Abramson: Final Thoughts
For students in Bucks County, Langhorne, Newtown, the Lehigh Valley, and beyond, the college essay is more than just a writing assignment. It’s a chance to connect, to reflect, and to share your voice.
As Ryan Abramson reminds us through platforms like Medium, Marketers Media, and LinkedIn, authenticity is the foundation of success — not just in admissions, but in life.
Visit Ryan Abramson’s website or connect on LinkedIn for more insights, resources, and updates on navigating the admissions process with confidence.
