
How to Create A Competitive College Application
College admissions are more competitive than ever, and standing out requires more than just good grades and test scores. In this session, Kirsten S. (Admissions Committee @ Princeton), William F. (Director of Graduate Admissions @ UPenn), and Skyler A. (Assistant Director of Admissions @ Northwestern) will break down how to craft a cohesive, authentic application that highlights your unique strengths and story. You’ll learn how to approach your essays, choose the right recommenders, showcase your extracurriculars, and tie everything together into a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions officers. Whether you’re just getting started or finalizing your materials, this event will give you practical strategies and insider insights to put forward your strongest possible college application.

UC Berkeley Essay: Crafting a Personal Narrative
A deep dive into a successful UC Berkeley essay. Learn how to craft a compelling personal narrative that highlights your experiences and gets you accepted.

Ask a Former Adcom: How to Get Into BYU
A former BYU admissions officer breaks down the holistic review process and shares what they're really looking for in applications.

Additional Info Application Example: Turning Your Passions into a Resume
Learn how to transform your passions and accomplishments into a powerful 'additional information' document that makes your application unforgettable.

How to Craft a Strong Narrative
Learn how to tell your personal story in a compelling and authentic way that captures the attention of admissions officers and makes your application unforgettable.

Additional Info Essay 1: Example & Analysis
Learn how to use the optional "additional information" essay to strengthen your application and address weaknesses.

Example of a Complete Vanderbilt Application
Learn how to craft a winning application for Vanderbilt University. This guide covers essays, letters of recommendation, and more to get you accepted.

Supplemental Essays: What Not To Do
Avoid the most common mistakes on your supplemental essays and learn how to write a compelling narrative that is specific to the school and prompt.

Additional Info Essay 3: Example & Analysis
A detailed breakdown of a compelling additional information essay.

Additional Info Essay 2: Example & Analysis
An in-depth analysis of an "additional information" essay.

Example Activity List: Honors That Land Admissions
Learn how to showcase your extracurriculars and honors to build a compelling activity list that stands out to top admissions committees.

BYU "Losing Track of Time" Example Essay - Avatar
An essay responding to the prompt about a topic so engaging it makes you lose track of time, focusing on the show "Avatar: The Last Airbender."

Gap Year: Is It Right for You?
A comprehensive guide to the pros and cons of taking a gap year, with key questions to consider before making your decision.

How to Stand Out in Your Application
Learn how to differentiate your application from the competition with strategies for crafting a compelling narrative, showcasing your unique skills, and making a lasting impression.

How to Ask the Interviewer the Right Questions
Learn how to ask strategic, insightful questions during your interview that demonstrate your interest and help you determine if the company is the right fit for you.

BYU Activities Example Essay - Piano
An essay responding to BYU application prompt about extracurricular activities, detailing a long-term commitment to piano and the lessons it taught about perseverance.

Extracurricular List 2: Example & Analysis
A detailed breakdown and analysis of a successful extracurricular list, with tips for showcasing your leadership and impact.

BYU "Tell Us Your Story" Example Essay: Physical Difference
An essay responding to the BYU application prompt to "tell us your story," sharing a personal experience of growing up with a physical difference and what it taught about self-acceptance.

Elevate Your Common App: Craft a Powerful Activities List
Are you applying to college and nervous about how to talk about your activities? Join Isamar, a former Stanford Admissions Officer, for this live workshop focused on helping you highlight your story through your activities list. This workshop will help you craft a powerful Common App activities list that showcases your unique interests and accomplishments beyond superficial activity descriptions. Learn 3 strategies to ensure that your application makes a compelling impression on admissions committees, captures your essence, and maximizes your chances of standing out in the admissions process. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your application! Who is leading the workshop? As a former Assistant Director of Admissions at Stanford, Isamar personally reviewed over 7,000 applications. As an admissions consultant, she coached students to gain admission to universities like Yale, Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, UVA, Pomona, and more. She has supported both US and international students, as well as first-gen students. Isamar’s personalized, empathetic, and strategic approach ensures that your unique strengths and experiences shine through in your application. Her goal is for you to feel that you are applying as your best self, no matter where you’re applying. Isamar is a proud first-generation college graduate with a BA and EdM from Harvard, and an MBA from Oxford.

Interviews: Storytelling & Tone
Learn how to master the art of storytelling in your interviews, using a confident and engaging tone to make a lasting impression.