This three-part lab helps students write compelling personal essays for college applications, with hands-on guidance from start to finish. In this lab, students receive more than just writing tips: they receive mentors, milestones, and individualized support.

First, we teach students the fundamentals of personal essay writing so students start writing with confidence. Second, we meet one-on-one with each student and provide individualized feedback. Each student proceeds with clear next steps to improve their drafts. Third, students meet in an instructor-led workshop to give and receive feedback on their final essays. Students examine different personal essay examples from the perspective of admission officers and leave with a heightened ability to critique and improve their own drafts.

With staggered milestones, our three-part format helps busy, college-bound students make steady progress and meet deadlines for early application. And using our practical writing tips, students can overcome writing anxiety and writer's block…