College Essay Guidance and Application

Learn what colleges look for in a compelling essay and how to tell your story in a way that authentically reflects your unique experiences, values, and strengths.

A compelling college essay usually does 4 things:

1. Starts with a story, not a résumé.
Don't begin with "Throughout my life, I have learned..."

2. Gets specific.
Instead of "I learned perseverance," show us the moment you almost quit.

3. Includes reflection.
The important question isn't just "What happened?" It's "So what?"

4. Reveals something that isn't obvious elsewhere in the application.
The essay should help the admissions reader meet the person behind the grades and activities.

The formula I'd teach you to use

STORY → REFLECTION → INSIGHT → WHO I AM NOW

And one of the best questions you can ask a student is:

"What do you want the admissions officer to understand about you after reading this that they couldn't learn from your transcript?"

During your first session, we’ll:

• Develop 2–3 meaningful story ideas based on your experiences and personal characteristics

• Identify the strongest essay topic

• Establish a clear central message and your ‘Hook’

• Create a detailed essay outline

• Begin developing a strong draft

This service includes five hours of instruction. College application guidance is included as part of the College and Career Program, providing ongoing support throughout the college application process.

Recommended for: 11th and 12th grade students. Individual sessions are for one hour and the fee is $90 per hour.

Full-Year Program: Includes 25 hours of personalized coaching, essay development, application process support and tracking of student’s service/work hours. Call for more information.