New summer workshop:
College Essay Brainstorming
Often, the most challenging part of writing a college admissions essay is simply getting started!
This 90-minute LIVE interactive Zoom workshop supports students in approaching the first steps of the college essay process.
In this small group setting (space limited to 6 students), students will:
Learn strategies for approaching this unique type of essay, as well as how to avoid common essay pitfalls.
Brainstorm experiences with narrative potential, develop them in detail, and come away with a shortlist of possible essay topics and structures.
Have the chance to ask questions and receive initial feedback.
Receive additional resources (pdfs) with tips and models to support the “craft” of writing, including language fluency and organization.
Become more confident and engaged in the writing process!
Frequently Asked Questions
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The pressure of the college admissions process tends to amplify “normal” writing challenges such as perfectionism, procrastination, and the struggle to focus and organize ideas.
This workshop is designed to help students understand the purpose of this type of essay, identify aspects of their own experience that authentically convey who they are, and break down the writing process into manageable milestones that they can see themselves meeting.
Students can expect to leave the workshop with a better sense of direction and more confidence in their abilities to write a “good” essay.
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Absolutely!
Parents play an important supporting role in helping their child navigate the college application process and are welcome to sit in on the workshop.
Parent attendees are encouraged to take notes and ask questions at the end of the session.
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Yes and no. AI can provide a list of suggested topics or questions, which it generates from what it locates on the web.
However, AI lacks the emotional insight and human experience to discern what makes an experience or perspective “authentic”, and for that reason, it is limited in its ability to provide insight into developing an essay that is both engaging and genuine.
For example, while AI can offer suggestions, it can’t pick up on emotional cues that suggest that a student feels passionate about a certain experience that they are struggling to articulate — and which is worth exploring for that reason.
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I offer 1:1 writing coaching on evenings and weekends to support students with the college essay process.
This can include continuing to support the brainstorming process, offering suggestions for organizational strategies, helping students to develop ideas and refine language, and guiding students through the editing process (meeting both grammar and word count requirements).
Students can meet with me for 30-, 45-, or 60-minute sessions, depending on their scheduling needs.
Participants in the brainstorming workshop can receive $50 off an hour of 1:1 tuition.
I also offer a discount on 3 hours of admissions essay coaching paid up-front: $385 (regularly $450).