Writing an effective college application essay takes different skills than those typically used for high school English assignments. Unlike literary analysis, college essay prompts encourage students to be (gasp!) introspective, vulnerable, and personal. This can be unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory to explore, but the results can be spectacular if the student fully engages in the process.
That's where I come in!
Getting Started
Since this writing style is new for most students, my workshops introduce tools that will help them write a successful essay. Using a variety of thought-provoking exercises, I help students brainstorm until they find a meaningful topic. Then, we examine sample essays and discuss what makes them work, or not.
Personalized Attention
One-on-one sessions allow me to give students personalized attention and address their individual essays, be it the personal statement or any supplemental essays. Depending on where the student is in the process when we first meet, we can either start with topic selection or go straight to revising the essay draft. As part of my review process, I ask pointed questions to help students delve deeper and weave their experiences into an essay that truly represents who they are and what they will contribute to the college community.