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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.
The "Why?" Essay
A guide to mastering the "Why this school?" or "Why this major?" essay, with strategies for showcasing genuine interest, specific research, and a compelling connection between you and the institution.
The Interview: What Not to Do
Avoid the most common mistakes in your interviews, from poor body language to unprepared answers, to make a lasting and positive impression on your interviewer.
What Not to Include in the Additional Info Essay
Avoid the most common mistakes on the "additional information" essay, including using it as a third personal statement, making excuses for poor grades, or simply repeating information found elsewhere in your application.
Why is the Extracurricular Section Important?
An overview of why the extracurricular section is a vital part of your application, with a focus on how it showcases your passions, time management skills, and potential contributions to the campus community.
BYU "Significant Needs in the Community" Example Essay - Coaching
An essay responding to the BYU application prompt about significant needs in the community, detailing how the student coached a youth basketball team to help improve local sports.
Cracking the Common App: A College Admissions Panel
The Common App can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Join this session with Isamar V., former Assistant Director of Admissions at Stanford University, and Raina M., a Cornell University student. We’ll break down key parts of the application, offer guidance on how to approach each section strategically, and share insights to help your application stand out. From personal statements to activity lists and supplemental essays, this panel will offer practical tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and advice to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you are in the process.
Ask Me Anything with a Former Stanford Admissions Officer
Join me for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session to get answers to your college admissions questions. I'm Isamar, a former Stanford Admissions Officer, a Harvard grad, proud first-generation college graduate, and an experienced college admissions coach. With years working with students from all backgrounds, including US-based, international, and first-generation applicants, I'm here to help you navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to provide thoughtful, empathetic, and strategic guidance. Whether you're a high school student or parent, don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a seasoned professional.
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.
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.
BYU "Tell Us Your Story" Example Essay - Listening
An essay responding to the prompt to "tell us your story," focusing on the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives to contribute to the community.
"Why BYU?" Example Essay - Camp Experience
An essay responding to the prompt about why the student wants to learn at BYU, connecting a transformative camp experience to the university's spiritually strengthening environment.
Ask Me Anything with a Former Stanford Admissions Officer
Join me for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session to get answers to your college admissions questions. I'm Isamar, a former Stanford Admissions Officer, a Harvard grad, proud first-generation college graduate, and an experienced college admissions coach. With years working with students from all backgrounds, including US-based, international, and first-generation applicants, I'm here to help you navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to provide thoughtful, empathetic, and strategic guidance. Whether you're a high school student or parent, don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a seasoned professional. Note: Feel free to ask about any college admissions topic, regardless of your target school. This AMA is not exclusively focused on Stanford admissions.
Oxford Personal Statement Example
A deep dive into an impactful Oxford personal statement. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative that showcases your personal experiences and analytical skills.
The Amy Approach: A Real Talk Guide to Picking the Right College
A step-by-step guide to picking the right college.
DIY Your Stand-Out Summer Program or Project that Colleges Notice
Can't afford fancy summer programs? Didn’t get around to applying to summer programs? No problem! Create a summer experience that turns heads in admissions offices ands fuels your personal interests. This workshop reveals how to design and execute impressive self-directed summer projects that both strengthen college applications and deepen your unique interests. Learn how to transform curiosity into meaningful action without expensive programs. Perfect for ambitious high schoolers seeking authentic growth opportunities that naturally translate to applications that shine.
UC Essay Examples
A deep dive into the essays that earned a spot at a top UC school. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative that stands out to admissions committees.
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.
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.
Blank Page to Clear Outline: Get Unstuck on Your Personal Essay
Feeling stuck on your personal essay? You're not alone. Trust, you are not the only senior who keeps putting off writing their application essay. You're sure you'll be able to finish once you start. You just need to put something - anything - on the page, but going from 0 to 1 feels harder than going from 1 to 100. And advice like "just start!", "show who you are," "brainstorm some ideas," isn't working, right? Join Isamar V., a former Stanford admissions officer and college application coach, in this workshop where she will guide you as you complete 3 exercises to go from a blank page to a clear essay outline in 1 hour. Get your pen and paper (or laptop) ready because this isn't just a lecture. You are going to put in the work in this workshop. If you have no idea what you want to write about --> You'll leave with several ideas, topics, and stories to choose from If you have an idea or story but don't know if it's good --> You'll leave with personal reflections to make it good If you have a story that you're excited about, but just haven't sat down to write --> You'll leave with an outline If you already have an outline, but just no written draft --> You'll have a dedicated hour to write You'll also get some tips for how to go from outline to a first written draft. Whether you're just starting or need a fresh perspective, the goal for you is to feel unstuck and excited to write your story.
