Supporting Students' Stories: The College Personal Statement

Participants will hear directly from a school counselor, a CBO advisor, and an admissions representative about what makes a personal statement authentic and compelling, and how admissions readers engage with essays as they evaluate applications.

Together, we will explore how to help students find and shape their own stories, how to give feedback that strengthens a student's voice, and how to navigate the pitfalls that can undermine an otherwise strong essay, including the growing use of AI tools.

Attendees will leave with concrete strategies and an insider's view of the admissions perspective to support students in writing personal statements that reflect a story they want to tell. Whether you are new to essay advising or a seasoned advisor looking for fresh approaches, this session offers actionable guidance you can use right away.