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June 10, 2025 16 mins

If you’ve been putting off your college essay, dreading it like a monkey on your back—you’re not alone. But what if you could stop trying to sound impressive and start telling a story that actually matters?

In this episode, I’ll guide you through the exact questions and strategies we used in the first week of my Personal Statement Workshop to help students uncover stories that admissions officers care about.

You’ll learn:

  • Why this essay can make or break your application
  • What admissions officers are really looking for
  • How to start discovering the contradictions and insights that make your story unforgettable
  • Examples of thought-provoking contradictions like “a colorblind painter” or “a debater who avoids conflict”
  • Insightful truths that make you human—and memorable

Whether you join my workshop or not, this episode will help you begin writing an essay that’s honest, thoughtful, and impossible to ignore.

Ready to take action?

Join my 4-week Personal Statement Workshop and finish your essay before July even starts.
You’ll get instant access to the replay of Session 1 and join me live for the next three trainings.

 Enroll now: TILC.to/essay

Mentioned in this episode:

  • 20+ examples of powerful contradictions you can explore in your own story
  • Insightful one-liners that could become the heart of your essay
  • The two questions every personal statement should answer
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