College Essays

Assisting Marin teens with their personal statements is one of the most inspiring aspects of my work. I am consistently taken aback by the depth and character of our youth and strive to bring these qualities out of them and onto the page. It is crucial that the personal statement remain an authentic product of each individual student, so my role is to encourage them to show who they are in the best possible way.

The strongest personal statements result from genuine effort, and it can take time for a young writer to discover how to reflect meaningfully on an experience. Also, while there is often only one “main” essay, more selective schools require supplemental essays, which should also be prepared thoughtfully and carefully. I encourage students to produce as much raw material as possible so that I can aid with revision and focus while maintaining that authentic voice that is the key to a successful college essay.