1. What does the program cover?

I guide students through every aspect of admission writing; designed to support the most novice writer to the most advanced. Students will learn how to choose essay topics, answer prompts with the necessary balance of detail and introspection, know when and how to select a writing structure (narrative vs. montage) and build powerful openers/closers— along with plenty of brainstorming. Review the comprehensive topic list here.

2. How would I use this program with my students?

You can customize this program however you like. It's essential that it supplements your classroom/practice in a way that supports your existing structure.

OPTION ONE: Provide students with a suggested timeline to move through modules and activities by way of a customizable digital workbook. As their point-person, you can track their progress through video content and PDF activities. In this option, students walk through the program asynchronously watching videos, brainstorming essay topics, writing, and editing. You may choose to read drafts at the later stage of the program once they've completed videos/exercises, or you could choose to add meetings along the way to support the brainstorming process. 

OPTION TWO: Pick and choose only those topics and PDF-based activities you'd like students to use before/after a classroom lecture/individual meeting as added support. Perhaps you'd like students to have a baseline understanding of closers after reading their essays. Or, maybe you'd like students to watch a video lesson on avoiding clichés before they head into a brainstorming session with you. In this case, send each student a singular video lesson and accompanying PDF activity -- you could use them in individual sessions, classroom lessons, or group meetings.

3. How do I know the content is accurate?

I sift through the newest college admission essay information and prompts every year to ensure that the message is correct and relatable to this year's admission cycle. As a credentialed school counselor of 15+ years who has also worked in admissions, I have seen the many changes over the years. My experience paired with a naturally data-driven, detail-oriented brain means I am always adapting my material, talking with schools, and attending conferences. Rest-assured that what I share is based on formal education, counseling expertise, and set of strong ethics to make sure what I deliver is helpful and reliable. A transcription of every video will be made available to IECs utilizing the program; this way content can be easily identified and scanned.

To learn more about me and my background, please click here.

4. Do I have to follow the program in a certain order?

Nope. Take a lesson, leave a lesson... you are entirely in the driver's seat. You can choose which topics students utilize and when. You can send links to individual lessons or select a comprehensive delivery approach by providing access to the entire course at once for students to work through on their own time. We can work together to customize the program so it makes sense for your method and caseload.

5. What if I already have an essay development component in my practice?

This program is easily customizable to supplement what you already have. If you are more comfortable adding a video or lesson into your existing essay development process, approach the program as another tool to support your expertise. Students require multiple learning modalities. If you typically provide only one-on-one discussion sessions to develop essays, add a visually rich tool and PDF activity from the program to enhance your time with students; the goal is to provide more than one approach so students absorb more information without adding more work on your part.

6. How engaging are the lessons?

As a classroom teacher, I know how quickly students can become disengaged, which is why I've designed every lesson to be short (most being well under 5 minutes), visually stimulating, and relevant. Only the most essential essay topics are included. More so, each lesson features diverse faces with examples drawn from real students experiencing just that... real life.

7. Will students come up with ideas while watching lessons?

Absolutely. I include several brainstorming activities, mind-mapping exercises, and Venn diagramming along with a robust number of examples of what works and what doesn't (please... no more Legos essays from our engineering applicants).

8. How might this program help me save time?
 
You can entirely offset the writing and brainstorming process-- or, supplement your existing essay writing approach so students understand more-- and more quickly! An hour session can easily be spent on brainstorming topics only to compile a list of cliché topics. Support a student to identify what should be avoided prior to a meeting so your time together is more effective.

My goal is to eliminate the extra thinking and planning on your part so you can run your caseload more smoothly! I provide recommended college essay completion timelines, a tip sheet for parents, and full access to 30 video lessons and their accompanying activities in a personalized digital workbook.

Whether you've just started your practice or you're a seasoned essay coach, College Essay Lab® will add an extra layer of information, organization, and support for your students.