Essays

I help students:

• Brainstorm, outline, revise, and polish their application essays

• Show who they are and who they can become

• Build self-awareness, confidence, critical thinking, and writing skills for college, career, and life

• Show why they wish to attend particular schools, strengthening their admission chances and preparing them to take full advantage of their college experience

• Tell their story in a way they can feel proud of

I provide expert support to students as they create application essays, including:

Common App personal statements

Many US-based colleges and universities use the Common App, which requires a personal statement of 650 words (or fewer) to introduce yourself to admissions officers. This same essay can be used to apply to any school that accepts the Common App. So, if you work hard on your personal statement, it can work hard for you at a wide range of schools.

With respect and encouragement for each student's process and progress, I help them:

Find source material in their interests, experiences, and values
Identify themes that matter most to them
Refine their ideas and initial drafts into a compelling and true personal story, with a voice unique to them
Consider memorable essay beginnings and endings
Revise to ensure clarity and the confidence that they gave their best effort
Edit for word-count requirements

In today's college admissions, the only ingredients that applicants have 100% control over are their own effort and their mindset. I help students channel these in their writing, putting their best foot forward and gaining skills that will serve them in everything they do.

University of California Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

The University of California does not use the Common App and does not have a 650-word personal statement. Neither does it have essays specific to any particular UC campus. Students use one application to apply to as many UC campuses as they choose. That application presents 7 Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), from which applicants choose any 4 to answer, in a maximum of 350 words per question.

I help students identify which 4 PIQs they will answer. Reviewing their high school activities and interests, I help them brainstorm, revise, and polish their PIQs.

Visit Results to see a list of UCs where my students have gained admission.

👀 Supplemental college-application essays

When students apply using the Common App, they often must write supplemental short essays, in addition to their 650-word personal statement. Many families overlook the importance and time commitment of these supplemental essays, but they are crucial in selective admissions. Schools are eager to raise their yield rate: the percentage of admitted students who ultimately enroll. Why? Yield rate influences a school's reputation and prestige, and it allows for proactive financial planning. Therefore, admissions committees seek students who demonstrate a strong likelihood of attending: those who care enough to prepare excellent supplemental essays.

Supplemental essays:

Are specific to each school and vary widely in word count (Stanford recently required 8; Harvard, 5)
Must be customized for each school, though themes may be reused from school to school
Address why the student wants to attend that school and how they will contribute there, if admitted
Demonstrate a genuine, credible rationale for applying to that particular school, based on research/engagement beyond glancing at its website or attending the standard campus tour
Should complement, not repeat, the personal statement

For 10 years, I have helped students prepare successful supplemental essays, helping them identify unique aspects of each school that support their goals. I recommend budgeting at least 1.5 hours for each supplemental essay on which you seek my support. (Per essay, not per school.)

🎓 Graduate-school application essays

I have helped students prepare their essays for successful applications to medical and business schools, advanced learning institutes, and master's and Ph.D. programs. Visit Results to see some of the graduate schools where my mentees have gained admission.

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