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How to Help Students Stand Out With Common Personal Statement Topics

A 1-Day Mini-Course led by Ethan Sawyer and Tom Campbell.

Saturday, October 15th at 9-11:00am Pacific (12-2:00pm Eastern)

The “soccer” essay. The “family challenges” essay. And, of course, the “inspiring grandfather/grandmother/person who is totally not the student” essay. 

How can counselors and essay coaches help college applicants think beyond these common essay ideas? 

In this pay-what-you-can mini-course, Ethan Sawyer (College Essay Guy) and Tom Campbell (former admission officer) will share practical techniques counselors can use with students to help them uplevel a personal statement in as little as twenty minutes, using a range of real essay examples from recent students.

What we're covering:

  • Important factors to consider when helping students select a topic
  • Why not all common topics are created equal
  • How to know when it’s probably best to encourage a student to start from scratch with a new essay topic
  • Tips for managing parent involvement (and how to equip students for self-advocacy)
  • Guidance for addressing mental health issues in the personal statement and additional information section (based on recent conversations with admissions officers)
  • Specific case studies and examples from students Ethan and Tom have worked with recently

Plus more, with plenty of Q&A time

Can't make either session? Recordings will be made available.

What People Are Saying About My Courses:

Ethan you are so approachable and fun to listen to. You care deeply about your work and the students. You are an inspiration.

Susan, Counselor