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Writing The College Essay

[a.k.a. The Personal Statement]
Join us for a fun and accessible workshop for writing the college essay [also known as the personal statement].   A successful college application is often determined by the personal essay, as more and more colleges and universities are de-emphasizing the SAT/ACT.  ​Using a number of creative exercises you will find your voice and be able to distinguish yourself as an applicant while remaining authentic in your story.  In addition to the personal statement, you will have an opportunity to explore supplemental essays: what to expect and how to employ them in the application process.  At the end of day three, you will have a polished, college essay that honors your voice and personal experience and sets you apart from other applicants.  

​Both individual and small group workshops are available.  
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Note: prior to the workshop participants receive downloadable exercises that help prepare and make the most of our time together
Day one:   It’s all about you!
  • What is the personal statement?
  • Learn how to interpret the prompts.
  • Avoid the pitfalls of the personal statement [what NOT to write about and why].
  • Discovering your voice by discovering yourself.
  • Become the heroine of your own story

​[3 hours]
Day two:   Moving from “what” to “how”
  • Conquer the BPS [blank page syndrome]
  • How to structure the essay and which format to choose.
  • Writing, writing, and more writing.
  • Dynamic first sentences and other essay starters
  • Revision techniques, peer-review, editing checklists, more writing.
  • The supplemental essay[s]: what purpose do they serve?  How you can use them to your advantage.
  • Goal for the end of day two is a version of your essay that is 95% complete​

​[3 - 4 hours]
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Day three: spit and polish and that wonderful check box!
  • Review: does it still sound like me?
  • Review: is my structure consistent?
  • Revise: polish for grammar and conventions and one of my personal favorites “the comma sale”
  • Upload completed essay to Common App.
  • Celebrate investing in yourself, your future, and the first semester of your senior year!

​[3 hours]
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The cost of the three-day workshop is $480.  
For those facing financial hardship, we are here to help.  Please contact us for further information.