logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2017
34m 25s

119: How to Improve Your Personal Statem...

ETHAN SAWYER
About this episode

This episode represents part four of four in my epic mini-series with Tutor Ted and in this one I share what steps to take to turn your essay from “just okay” to “great.” Specifically, though, I share:

  • What I believe the qualities of a great college essay are
  • An example essay that demonstrates those four qualities
  • A step-by-step process for bringing more of each of those qualities into your essay
  • Lots of examples for all the qualities I discuss
  • Even (get this) a step-by-step process for how to make your reader cry
  • Finally, some advice to parents and teachers offering essay feedback

FYI: You’ll hear Ted’s voice at the start, not mine, since he was interviewing me for this one. Enjoy.

Up next
Sep 30
616: Authoring Your Life: Why the Personal Statement Is About (Much) More Than Getting into College
In today’s episode, I’m joined by my long-time colleague, and our Chief People Officer here at CEG, Sandy Longworth. Sandy has worked as a therapist, a researcher, college counselor — among other things — and has spent years studying the role that narrative storytelling plays in ... Show More
1h 16m
Sep 16
615: Rethinking “Best” Colleges: Tools, Tips, and Mindset Shifts for a Better College List with Jay McCann and Dr. Steven Antonoff, Co-Authors of The College Finder
Hi friends, and welcome back to the podcast. In today’s episode, I’m joined by two special guests: Dr. Steven Antonoff and Jay McCann, co-authors of the newly updated 5th edition of The College Finder: Your comprehensive guide to finding colleges that fit YOUR unique path. In thi ... Show More
52 m
Sep 3
614: 13 Mistakes High School Students Make When Creating Their College List
Welcome back to the podcast. It’s September, which means many students are building the list of colleges they’re applying to. Today I’m joined by New York Times Bestselling Author, Harlan Cohen, who walks us through his 13 most common mistakes students make when they’re creating ... Show More
56m 23s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2024
The inside scoop on HBS Essay Question #2: B-Schooled episode 215
For the first time in more than a decade, Harvard Business School has updated its essay questions. In this much-anticipated series, we sit down with HBS alum and longtime SBC consultant Yvette to talk about each of these questions and share suggestions, tips and strategies regard ... Show More
36m 46s
Jun 2020
Essays: What Works
Part 1 of 3. The most effective application essays help admissions officers understand who students are and the contributions they would make to a community. There’s no formula or perfect essay topic, but Hannah and Mark discuss what makes an essay work for an applicant. Admissio ... Show More
27m 5s
Jul 2024
The inside scoop on HBS Essay Question #1: B-Schooled episode 214
For the first time in more than a decade, Harvard Business School has updated its essay questions. In this much-anticipated series, we sit down with HBS alum and longtime SBC consultant Yvette to talk about each of these questions and share suggestions, tips and strategies regard ... Show More
38m 28s
Jun 2016
Episode 9 - Everything You Should Know about Essay Questions
Are you sweating buckets just thinking about the essay portion of the CMA exam? Well don’t be. In this episode I am going to be giving you all the information you need to know about the essay question to remove the guesswork and help you prepare for success. Not only will you lea ... Show More
13m 12s
Aug 2021
Season 3: Episode 2: How do I write a great personal statement and supplemental essays?
Besides, grades and test scores, one of the most important elements of the college admissions rubric is the essay. While the Common App has the required personal statement essay, many universities also ask supplemental questions, which give admissions officers the chance to get t ... Show More
46m 9s
Feb 2024
88. How to Find Your Unique Voice in College Application Essays
How do you capture an Admissions Officer’s attention through your college essays? On today’s episode, Nivanthi Karunaratne, a Graduate Coach at InGenius Prep, shares her personal journey of self-discovery through music and how it has influenced her approach in helping students fi ... Show More
24m 52s
Sep 2024
S3E14: How to Answer the Yale Supplement (2024)
In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down the Yale University supplement, guiding applicants through the nuances of both the short and longer essay questions. He emphasizes the importance of research, personal reflection, and thoughtful responses ... Show More
6m 33s
Jun 2025
117. Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Shares How to Write College Essays That Get You In
To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE. What makes a college essay stand out at top schools like Harvard, Stanford, or Yale? In this episode, we sit down with Dave Marcus, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, bestselling author of Acceptance, and former high school tea ... Show More
19m 19s
Sep 2024
Improve Your Writing Instantly
In this episode, I offer some tips and tricks to improve your writing. The book I reference: Kate Turabian's Student’s Guide to Writing College Papers, Fifth Edition *Sorry for the poor audio quality* If you want to support me, you can do that with these links: Patreon: https://w ... Show More
41m 42s