Step 1: Brainstorming
During our initial discussions with the student, we will learn more about their family background, academic interests, potential career path, extracurricular activities, and any other experiences that could be relevant to their Personal Statement.
Step 2: Strategizing & Drafting
Next, we will determine three possible essay ideas based on our brainstorming session in which we will decide which one will best convey the student’s unique story. Afterwards, the student will begin the outlining and drafting process of their Personal Statement.
Step 3: Big Picture Editing
There will be two editing phases. The “Big Picture” edits will focus on content and structural editing.
- Focus: Does the essay answer every prompt?
- Evidence: Does the essay contain sufficient examples to demonstrate the main idea?
- Structure: Does the essay have a clear structure?
- Balance: Does the writer give a good balance of specific examples and personal reflection? Aspect of the prompt?
- Logic: Is the essay content logical and easy to follow?
- Flow: Do ideas flow smoothly within and between sentences and paragraphs
Step 4: Specific Editing
Each applicant will receive detailed feedback on the essays, namely for fine-tuning and polishing the essays’ language and content.
- Articulation/Clarity of Expression: Is the language too wordy or too plain to be easily understood?
- Rhetoric: Are figures of speech and rhetorical devices used appropriately? Is the use of rhetoric creative?
Step 5: Family Review
Understanding an applicant's family background enables us provide more personalized and effective guidance throughout the college application process.
- Tailored Guidance: Family background significantly influences a student's experiences, values, aspirations, and challenges. We tailor our advice and recommendations to align with the student's unique situation.
- Financial Considerations: Family financial circumstances play a crucial role in college selection and affordability. Understanding the family's financial situation allows us to recommend schools that match the family's budget and suggest strategies for financial aid and scholarships.
- College Fit: Family values and priorities can impact the type of college environment that is the best fit for the student. For instance, if family responsibilities are important, we may suggest schools with strong support systems.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Knowledge of cultural and ethnic backgrounds enables the counselor to provide culturally sensitive advice, respecting the student's traditions and helping them find colleges that celebrate diversity.
- Language Support: If English is not the first language spoken at home, we can suggest colleges with language support resources to ease the transition for non-native English speakers.
- Academic and Extracurricular Guidance: Family expectations and educational history can influence a student's academic and extracurricular choices. We understand these factors can guide the student toward opportunities that align with their family's values.
- Counselor-Student Relationship: Sharing family background information fosters trust between the counselor and the student, creating a more open and productive counseling relationship.
- Essays and Applications: A student's family background can provide meaningful material for personal essays or interviews. We help students use their experiences to craft compelling application materials.
- Holistic Understanding: The we know about a student's family background, the more holistically we can evaluate the student's strengths, interests, and potential contributions to a college community.
Step 6: Final Editing
Each essay will go through two final rounds of editing. We check for:
- Spelling
- Syntax and Diction
- Grammar
- Fact veracity
- Clichés