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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.
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.
Awards & Honors: An Overview
Learn how to effectively showcase your achievements on your application, with tips for formatting, context, and standing out.
"Tell Me About a Time...": Situational Question Guide
A comprehensive guide to answering behavioral and situational interview questions with the STAR method, with examples and tips for crafting compelling stories.
Extracurriculars: Best Practices
Learn the best practices for showcasing your extracurriculars on your application, with tips for formatting, context, and standing out from the crowd.
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.
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.
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.
How to Set Better Goals
Learn how to set more effective and achievable goals with a proven framework that will keep you motivated and on track to success.
Optimizing for Success
Learn how to optimize your application for success with strategies for showcasing your unique strengths, crafting a memorable narrative, and making the best possible impression on admissions officers.
Personal Statement 3: Example & Analysis
A detailed breakdown and analysis of a third successful personal statement, with a focus on its compelling narrative structure and powerful conclusion.
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.
Letter of Continued Interest: What to Write
Learn how to craft a powerful Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) by focusing on key components like reaffirming your commitment, providing meaningful updates, and showcasing why you are a perfect fit for the college.
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.
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.
BYU Activities Example Essay - Leadership through United Sound
An essay responding to the BYU applicatino prompt about extracurricular activities, detailing participation in United Sound and how it developed leadership and communication skills.
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."
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.
Ask. Me. Anything. AMA 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.
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.
