Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about The Dive 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 individualized support. Students can sign up for just the group class, or they can sign up for the entire workshop which is the group class + individualized support.

The group class is my enthusiastic answer to a recurring problem I’ve noticed: overwhelmed teenagers are 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 The Dive, we cover:

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

  • its role is in the larger application

  • common pitfalls and clichés

  • helpful story-telling structures that allow room for a large helping of reflection

  • a thoughtful review and discussion of essays that work (and why)

  • a series of brainstorming exercises designed to get students started reflecting on stories they might tell

While the workshop provides a firm grounding, most students benefit from the support, questions, dialogue, 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 drafts, I ask questions, offer thoughts, and encourage students to write the best essay they can.

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 in May TBD from 1 pm to 3 pm EST.

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

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

If these dates don’t work for you, but you are interested in working with me on your personal essay, please reach out to me with your availability. I only need a few students to run the group class so it is likely that we can schedule another date, especially if you have a friend or two interested. The group class is the best way for students to efficiently understand this part of the application and understand helpful ways to approach it.

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.

How much does the workshop cost?

This two-hour group class is $100. The price for the entire workshop, including four rounds of feedback via Google docs is $500.

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.