College Mentors

How can I write a killer personal statement?  Do I have to come up with something I've done that no one else has done—what if I'm just a 'normal' kid? These are just a few of the questions that students are asking this time of year. Let's take them one at a time. You will write a killer personal statement by being yourself!  Unlike all the other types of writing you have done throughout your high school career, this one really IS personal—not academic.  For once, using "I" is fine, really.  Think of the personal statement as a page or two from your memoirs; somehow, you need, purely through the written word, to let someone know who you are and why they should want you at their college. You want to use vivid language—verbs that pop, maybe a metaphor or two, or other figurative language, even a bit of humor.   Some colleges are even posting sample essays from successful students, helping to demystify the essay jitters.  Check out Connecticut College...

If you are in the Los Angeles area, please join me for a free workshop on November 2nd at the Fairview Library in Santa Monica at 7pm.  We'll be reviewing the UC, Common Application, and CSU Applications.  We'll also talk about what makes a great personal statement! Join my Facebook page (just click on College Mentors link in the lower right column on this page) and keep abreast of upcoming events!

Greetings! Yes, it's still summer. . . but it's August, and so summer has peaked, and we're on the downslide. . . well, I prefer to think of it in more positive terms, as sliding into home, at least for those of you who are starting your senior year and getting ready to apply for college! You're all preparing for the "World Series" of high school--finding the right fit for your post high school career! My job as your coach is to help you and your family to assess your talents, skills, and interests, and help you find the colleges that would best meet your needs, work with you on essays, then happily watch you hit one out of the park!! Some suggestions to get your "training program" started! Start thinking about what you might want to write about for your personal statement. The most important part of your application, the personal statement lets colleges know who you are. It gives them the chance to see you as an individual, to get a sense of what ...