College Application Essay Class
Guidance to Write a Compelling Personal Statement
Summer 2024
Online Classes
Sundays 7:00-830 pm EST (4:00 Pacific)
Sun Jul 7 - Aug 25, 2024 - eight classes total
Tuition: $899
Class Description
This class guides students through the process of developing a story, based on a personal experience, to respond to one of the Common App prompts (2023-2024 prompts are here). The story will reveal their character and personality, delving into experience(s) that influenced them and the resulting evolution of their thinking. Students will be taught to write about themselves in a manner that is expressive, detailed, revealing and memorable.
The class will analyze exemplary college application essays specifically for how they captivate their readers while also revealing insights into the author’s personality, passions, ambitions or abilities. It will include a brainstorming component to identify the experiences, traits and strengths that each student should highlight. The instructor will guide students through a formal study, and application, of the craft elements of creative narrative writing.
The majority of class time will consist of working sessions whereby students will brainstorm ideas, write drafts and receive feedback. Each class will begin with a short lesson or review of examples, strategies or techniques for strong narrative essays. Throughout the class, the instructor will provide individual feedback on outlines and drafts created. Students will leave the class with at least one polished essay.
About the instructor: Leslie Morgan has over 20 years of experience and has helped hundreds of students write their college essays as a college advisor at a private school, as a college admission essay tutor, and as a high school English teacher at a Boston-area private school. Her students have been accepted at top-ranked universities across the US and beyond.
Student Testimonials:
"The feedback I received from my instructor allowed me to revise and polish my essay until it became a masterpiece." August 2022, Austin, Texas
"This course provided the format, constructive feedback, and tools I needed to write a powerful personal statement." August 2022, Wellesley, MA
"Before enrolling, I was overwhelmed by the thought of writing my personal statement. However, through this course, I learned how to craft a powerful and authentic essay that truly reflected my passions and aspirations." August 2023, San Mateo, CA
"I was grateful my personal statement was completed before my senior year began! Because of your class, I avoided a lot of stress that I saw my friends go through." October 2023, Wellesley, MA
