What makes a personal statement great?

Telling your best story, in your own voice, while simultaneously keeping your audience in mind. Also, getting excellent advice and support throughout the drafting process.

How personal should this be?

If it’s relevant to who you are, where you want to go to school, and what you want to study, your essay can be as personal as you are comfortable making it. Tell your story.

Why can’t I just pay for tutoring by the hour?  

We have found through experience that students produce their best work when they go through the process from beginning to end, and learn to write consistently in their own voice. Our brainstorming process helps a great deal with this, and without it, it’s hard to produce the same quality of essay.

Why should I do this rather than just writing my own essay?

You ARE writing your own essay. What we do is help you focus your theme and content, and find your own narrative voice to express just who you are to the schools you are most interested in. You write your own essay, and it’s our job to help ensure that it shines.

Is this cheating?

No, because you write your own essay, and all the things we do are designed to help you do just that, to the best of your abilities. There are services/people out there that will write your essay for you; that IS cheating, and we strongly recommend against it, for both ethical and practical reasons.

Can you guarantee me that I will get into my first choice school?

We cannot guarantee that. What we CAN guarantee however is that we will help you produce your best work, and that will give you your best chance of getting into an elite school. Our track record has been exceptional (see our “testimonials” section), and we are confident we can improve your odds.

Is this worth it?

Every year, thousands of very qualified applicants apply to elite schools. Depending on the college, anywhere between 50 and 95% of them get turned down, yet many of those students who are turned down were academically qualified. This gives you an edge in that unkind equation.

Is the Common App a good idea?

Yes, but only if your essay is great. We can help you with that. Make sure you put time and effort into your supplemental essays for each campus as well.

What if I decide not to attend a UC?

Choose the school that you ultimately think is going to fit you best. Also, even if you don’t go to a UC, keep in mind that their personal statement is a GREAT template to use for other application essays as well.

Are there discounts?

Yes. Contact us for further details

What about private school applications?

Of course, and many take the Common App, in addition to their individual supplemental requirements. Call or email for further details.