My teen’s a strong student — do they really need help with this?

• Absolutely — because the Personal Statement is unlike anything they’ve written before. Most students think hitting spell-check and fixing a few grammar errors is “editing.” That’s fine for a paper worth 10% of a grade.
  
  But this essay could be the difference between an acceptance or rejection letter, or even unlock $10,000+ in merit scholarships. Even the strongest students haven’t been taught how to show in their writing — not because they’re not capable, but because schools don’t teach it. State assessments don’t require it, so it’s simply not a skill they’re ever asked to develop. But it is the skill that makes a Personal Statement stand out — and it’s exactly what I teach. I help students bridge the gap between “good enough for school” and the level of storytelling that gets noticed in an admissions office.
  

Can’t they just write it on their own?

• They can — but most students who go it alone end up writing safe, predictable essays that disappear into the pile. Essay? Done! is designed to prevent that.
  
  It gives your teen a clear, proven process to uncover a compelling topic, shape their story into something admissions officers remember, and revise with purpose — so they’re not just telling a story, but showing why it matters. Instead of guessing and hoping for the best, your teen will know exactly how to craft an essay that stands out — and why every word is working in their favor.
  
  And at more competitive schools, the essay is often one of the top deciding factors — sometimes carrying more weight than GPA or test scores, because nearly every applicant looks the same in those categories.

How long will it take to finish the essay?

• Most students finish their essay in just a few hours spread over a week — and some in a single weekend. This isn’t a passive course they simply watch; it’s a hands-on workshop they actively work through. Along the way, they’ll write three complete drafts — far more than most students ever do on their own — each one stronger than the last as they apply new strategies and storytelling techniques introduced in each session. And because every draft takes only about 25 minutes, the process feels manageable and builds real momentum. By the final session, they’ll have a complete essay with a strong, attention-grabbing opening, a powerful and meaningful story at its core, and a conclusion that ties everything together beautifully.

What makes this different from free online essay tips or writing help?

• Most advice out there is vague (“be authentic!”) or overly academic — and neither actually helps teens write a powerful, memorable essay. Essay? Done! is built from 10+ years of real-world admissions coaching. It shows seniors how to think like an admissions reader, structure a story that grabs attention, and write with insight and impact — skills most students are never taught in school.

What if my teen hates writing or thinks they’re not a good writer?

• That’s more common than you’d think — and it’s exactly why this workshop works. Most students don’t need more pressure; they need structure. Essay? Done! gives them that, with step-by-step guidance, clear prompts, and even a half-dozen fill-in-the-blank templates to help them organize their ideas. (Some will ‘click’ more than others — but every student walks away with the pieces they need to build a cohesive, compelling essay.) Because they’re guided — not left to figure it out alone — many students who once dreaded the process end up actually enjoying it. They can move at their own pace, follow time-saving strategies I share, developed from years of working with advanced, above-average, and atypical learners—and discover that there’s no single “right” way to get this done, except the version that works for them.

Why isn’t my teen’s essay done yet? They’ve had months…

• There’s a reason — and it’s not procrastination. Time isn’t the issue. The real problem is that most students don’t have crystal clarity on their topic or a clear roadmap to follow. And no one wants to write a single word more than they have to if they’re not sure it’s going in the right direction. Plus, teens know what a great essay sounds like — but they have no idea how to get their own story to that level. That’s exactly where I come in: I show them how to bridge that gap and guide them step-by-step toward a finished essay they’re confident to submit.