General Advice, Personal Statements

How to Quickly Become a Better Writer: A Mini-Guide #2

I wasn’t always a strong writer. I was pretty good with grammar and spelling and, like many students, wrote essays the night before they were due. So, what happened? How did I become a strong writer? I can pinpoint 3 things that exponentially improved my writing: Writing a sports blogHaving a few kickass writers take… Continue reading How to Quickly Become a Better Writer: A Mini-Guide #2

General Advice, Personal Statements

How to Brainstorm for the Personal Statement: A Mini-Guide

It's difficult. It’s a pain in the ass to figure out a topic or narrative for your personal statement. I know it all too well: sit down, open laptop, start typing. And nothing. Nothing comes to mind, nothing gets written. Writer's block commences and frustration sets in. It’s difficult to write about yourself, especially with… Continue reading How to Brainstorm for the Personal Statement: A Mini-Guide

Personal Statements

Make Sure Your Personal Statement is Personal!

Just a quick reminder to make sure your personal statement is written from a personal perspective and with detail. Too often, I work with clients whose personal statements are too general and lack specifics or real personal information about the writer or his/her story (probably the #1 issue I encounter). Tell stories, use small details,… Continue reading Make Sure Your Personal Statement is Personal!

Personal Statements

Sharpening Your Statement to Succeed: Personal Statement Tips & Tricks

Don't start your personal statement with a quote. Seriously, don't. Begin with something attention grabbing. Tell them about that time you swam with the penguins in the Arctic, or that super-profitable business you created back in high school. Grab your reader. A couple of years ago, I helped a friend write a personal statement for… Continue reading Sharpening Your Statement to Succeed: Personal Statement Tips & Tricks