The personal essay Workshop

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most frequently asked questions the workshop are below. Please feel free to reach out if you have others.


Where does the class take place?

All classes are on Zoom. You can be anywhere but I ask that students find a quiet place, free from disturbances, and free of their phones.

I read the brief description, but how does the whole thing actually work?

There are two parts to this workshop: the group class and personal editorial support. Students can sign up for just the group class, or they can sign up for the group class + personalized support.

The group class is my enthusiastic answer to a recurring problem I’ve noticed: overwhelmed teenagers tasked with writing an engaging, meaningful piece of personal writing with little to no experience in the form. While many high school students have experience with different types of writing (e.g., academic papers, five-paragraph essays, literary analysis, lab reports . . . possibly short stories or poetry) few are churning out 650-word memoir-type writing on the regular.

It’s not an easy thing to ask a 17-year-old to do!

In this two-hour workshop, we’ll cover:

  • what the personal essay is and what it isn’t

  • its role is in the larger application

  • common pitfalls to avoid

  • four distinct essay structures to help students give form to their stories

  • a thoughtful review and discussion of sample essays that worked

  • brainstorming exercises designed to assist students in landing on viable ideas for their own essays

  • tips for how to work through writing hurdles and create essays that are meaningful and engaging

Can you tell me more about the personalized editorial support?

While the workshop provides a firm grounding, most students benefit from individualized dialogue, questions, and constructive feedback. To meet this need, I offer an editorial add-on that covers up to four rounds of feedback via Google docs. In reviewing outlines and drafts, I ask questions, offer thoughts, and encourage students to write the best essays they can.

How much does the workshop cost?

This two-hour group class is $100. The price for the group class plus the personalized, editorial add-on is $500.

What will be accomplished by the end?

Students get as much as they give to this workshop which is designed to promote single-tasking focus with accountability and support. Ideally students embrace this chance to work on one thing, and do it to the best of their ability, within the parameters of the time they dedicate to work after this workshop. I provide clear instructions for the essential steps in the process and give personalized suggestions to help students keep up the momentum. That said, writing can be difficult for everyone and I cannot in good faith offer any fixed guarantees: in my experience, it is impossible to predict exactly how long it takes to go from nothing to a complete essay. Some students write fast, but then need to re-route multiple times, and others who get off to a slow start, land on gold, understand what they are trying to say, and finish more quickly. 

When should a student enroll?

I welcome rising seniors. Finishing the personal essay before the supplements are released on Aug. 1 is an admirable, smart, beautiful, wise, fierce, peacock … (ok, I just made that up, but who doesn’t want to be a little like a peacock?) goal.

Is there anything a student needs to do before the workshop?

If you are signing up for just the group class, nope! Sleep the night before and give your cell phone, if you have one, a long nap on a kitchen counter far away. Please note: I encourage students to pick a workshop time when they know they can make a dedicated commitment, in the week that follows, to focus on writing their essay.

What are the hours of the course in 2026?

There are currently sections scheduled to meet on:

Saturday, May 2 from 1 pm to 3 pm EST.

Saturday, June 20 from 1pm to 3pm EST.

Saturday, June 27 from 1pm to 3pm EST.

*Or scheduled upon request.

Do you offer support after the workshop?

Yes, please reach out to me directly for one-on-one consulting rates.

Where have your students been accepted?

While I’m in this because I love witnessing the insight that comes from the writing process, most students are here because they want to get into college, which is understandable. Getting admitted into a college of your choice is exciting. The schools my students have been accepted to include:

Any other questions?

Please reach out to me directly.