In the personal statement, admissions officers are looking for insights into the applicant’s personality – his interests, goals, character, style. “We are looking for the human being behind the roster of activities and grades,” says one admissions director.

Unlike essays written for English class, the personal statement has no true format or formula, making it harder for most teens to write. It asks the student to reflect and share what is important to him.

Students must also keep in mind that the personal statement is not the only admissions essay. Each college requires at least one, often two, “supplemental” essays. These essays are just as important as the personal statement, but students typically underestimate the weight they carry with admissions officers.

Our writing coaches know what admissions committees are looking for in an essay. Coaches work with students to develop their ideas to compose detailed, engaging work. We want all of the student’s essays to stand out amongst the thousands that committees read. Even the most gifted writer will benefit from this highly personalized editorial guidance.