Testimonial Tuesday: Pro Bono Admissions Essay Workshop

                                                       Classic high school Yelena

In addition to my one-on-one pro bono work with underserved students, I also love going back to school (#NERD) and hosting admissions essay seminars. Last fall, I led an essay workshop at a local New York public school where 73% of the students receive a free lunch. We discussed how admission essays are different from the academic essays they're taught at school, why the personal statement can influence your acceptance, and the secret things admissions officers look for (and don't want to see) in your answer. 

If you'd like to me to lead a workshop at your school, please get in touch! 

"The personal statement is a critical part of the university application and you offered extremely helpful tips about constructing a compelling essay. Your advice enabled students to feel confident about expressing their voice and ideas. Students were comfortable asking questions and you graciously continued your conversations after the presentation. Thank you and I look forward to inviting you to discuss personal statements in spring 2017." —Jessica Arkin, College Counselor

"It was great to have someone come in and tell us about what is included in the college essay, and what are the misconceptions in regards to how to write the essay, including clichés and vocabulary. It cleared up questions that I wouldn’t even know to ask." —Carlos, Senior

"Ms. Shuster's techniques for helping students with their essays are astonishingly effective. She doesn't just limit herself to fix our essays, but rather to make us part of the essay's revision by asking us questions about ourselves that can help the narrative. She also ensures we are always comfortable with her suggestions." —Roberto, Senior