Networking and Interviews

Networking and interviewing skills are rarely taught in school, though they are arguably one of the most essential skills in almost every field of study. You will identify events to attend and practice how to engage in networking conversations all in an effort to demonstrate interest in the schools you’re applying to. Using role plays, you will learn how to reach out to admissions reps, students and alumni, develop questions and anticipate others’ questions. Finally, you will develop a “brag sheet” to reflect your multidimensionality (grades, accolades, jobs, interests). Using this, you will secure commitments from counselors, teachers, and coaches for writing strong letters of recommendation on your behalf and learn the fine art of writing “the perfect thank you.”

Personal Essay and Writing Support

Your personal essay and supplemental essays can often ‘make or break’ final admissions decisions, especially when students have similar high school transcripts, GPAs, and test scores. These pieces of writing offer you the opportunity to show who you are (and how effectively you express yourself) beyond the numbers. They also prepare you for the rigor of college-level writing expectations. I will guide you in a variety of writing exercises from The College Essay Guy (Ethan Sawyer), Lynda Barry (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Wild Writing (Laurie Wagner), and Proprioceptive Writing (Linda Trichter Metcalf) to help unleash your inner writer and strengthen your writing and quickly integrate feedback.

Time / Project Management & Stress Reduction

Throughout the process, I will share specific techniques you can use to improve time management (effective calendaring), project management (we will utilize Excel spreadsheets and Google docs to track your progress) and stress reduction skills (breathing, meditation and journaling). You will come away from our sessions together feeling motivated and capable of accomplishing whatever you set your mind to!