A live video course on writing an outstanding college personal statement.

Course registration is now open.
Join live June 18th - July 9th, or watch on demand.

In this live step-by-step video course, I (Ethan) walk students through everything they need to write an outstanding personal statement for their college applications.

Whether you're using the Common Application, Coalition Application, or applying to one of the hundreds of public or private colleges or universities, this course will give you the tools to write an essay that demonstrates your core values and how you'll make meaningful contributions to your future college campus.

With over a dozen video lessons, live sessions with me, great sample essays, a comprehensive step-by-step workbook, and tons of advanced techniques, this is the most comprehensive course of its kind.

How the course works:

Course+Banners++(4) (1).jpg

Each week, you’ll watch pre-recorded video lessons in my Choose Your Own Adventure essay writing tool.

Course+Banners++(6) (1).jpg

You’ll complete a few writing exercises (AKA homework) in between sessions.

Course+Banners++(3) (1).jpg

Then, we’ll meet live where I’ll deliver a short lesson, and also review sample essays and answer lots of questions.

 

You’ll learn how to:

brain.jpg

BRAINSTORM

Discover what matters to you and decide on at least 2-3 potential essay topics.

checklist.jpg

OUTLINE

Before you begin drafting, I’ll help you create outlines to test which topic may be strongest.

plant.jpg

BRING IDEAS TO LIFE

I’ll help you get inspired and tell your most meaningful story.

scenery.jpg

STAND OUT

I’ll help you avoid common topics. In fact, I’ll share a list of them I’ve discovered after reading 10,000 essays.

target.jpg

HIT THE TARGET

Learn what colleges are actually looking for in a personal statement (hint: It’s not a list your extracurricular activities).

clock.jpg

SAVE TIME + STRESS

Write your essay in less time and with less stress.

 

Join Me Live This Summer

Live sessions run June 18th - July 9th, 2024
(Or get started writing today)

You’ll watch a few on demand video lessons before each live session, which you’ll have access to from the moment you register.

Then you’ll complete a few assignments, like writing your first draft.

We meet live each week where I workshop real students’ essays & answer all of your college essay and application questions.

live session schedule:

Headshot of Ethan

Week 1: Brainstorming
Tuesday, June 18th

Week 2: Outlining & Writing the First Draft
Tuesday, June 25th

Week 3: Revising
Tuesday, July 2nd

Week 4: refining
Tuesday, July 9th

Live sessions are held at 10-11:30am PT (1-2:30pm ET) & 4-5:30pm PT (7-8:30pm Eastern Time)

Check out the course syllabus for a detailed overview.

 

Start writing today.


I designed this course so you can go through it whenever (and wherever) you want.

As soon as you register, you'll get access to the full step-by-step course, plus my comprehensive Choose Your Own Adventure essay revising tool.
 

Watch me analyze an essay a student wrote on this course.
 
 

Get a preview: College Essay Topics to (Probably) Avoid:
 
 
 

Here’s what a few of our attendees had to say:


Take my full 2-part college essay course:

PART ONE:
How to Write a
PErsonal Statement

Live sessions run on
Tuesdays in June-July

How+to+Write+a+Personal+Statement+2018+Video+Banne.png

PART TWO:
How to Write the College Application + Supplemental Essays

Live sessions run on
Tuesdays in July-August

 

Bonus offer for those reading the fine print: Register for this course and get 50% off part 2 of the series, How to Write the College Application + Supplemental Essays.

How? Register below and you’ll be taken to the discounted offer.

 

🎤 Live Course Overview

Week 1: Brainstorming

how to apply to college
  • What’s the Purpose of the Personal Statement?

  • What are the Four Qualities of an Outstanding Personal Statement?

  • 7 Mini Brainstorming Exercises

  • How These Exercises Can Lead to an Essay Topic

  • Montage vs. Narrative Structure

  • 7 Types of Montage Essay

  • What Is Narrative Structure & How Does it Work?

  • Next Steps + Q&A

how to apply for college

week 2: Outlining & writing

  • Why Other People Write Bad First Drafts (And How to Not Be Like Them)

  • Why You Should Create a Solid Outline Before You Start

  • How to Outline Using the 7 Montage Paths

  • How to Outline Using the Narrative Path

  • How to Write Your First Draft

  • How to Get Feedback (If You Want it) on Your First Draft

  • Personal Feedback from Me on Some of Your Topic Ideas

  • Next Steps + Q&A

how to apply for college

week 3: revising

  • How to Raise the Stakes and Draw Your Reader in

  • 11 Ideas for Improving the Middle of a Challenges-Based Essay

  • How to Uplevel Each Paragraph in a Montage Essay

  • 3 Ideas for Starting a Challenges-Based Essay

  • 7 More Ideas for Starting a Montage Essay

  • 19 Ways to Make Your Essay More Insightful

  • How to Make Sure Your Personal Statement “Flows”

  • Personal Feedback from Me on a Variety of Your Essays-in-Progress

  • Next Steps + Q&A

 

week 4: Refining

  • 10 Ways to End a Personal Statement

  • The Great College Essay Test (i.e., How to Know If Your Personal Statement Is Doing its Job)

  • Tips for Polishing (When You’re Ready)

  • Personal Feedback from Me on (Basically) As Many Essays As I Can Get to

Ready to join me?
 

Blog Post Templates (square) (15).jpg

Who is College Essay Guy?

Ethan Sawyer is a nationally recognized college essay expert and sought-after speaker. Each year he helps thousands of students and counselors through his online courses, workshops, articles, products, and books, and works privately with a small number of students. A graduate of Northwestern University, Ethan holds an MFA from UC Irvine, two counseling certificates, is certified in Myers-Briggs and hypnotherapy. He lives in Los Angeles with his beautiful wife, Veronica, and their amazing daughter, Zola.

Learn more about Ethan »

 

Here's what a few students have said about my courses:

"Hi Ethan - I followed every step from your videos for the Main Personal Statement essay and my college advisor was wowed by my first draft. I made some small changes and now it's finished. I just wanted to thank you for that!"

-Tesa, Student

"If I hadn't taken this course, there is no way I would have a) found my topic b) started to write yet or c) completed a pretty darn solid draft. So thank you!!! This course seriously rocked!"

-Ava, Student

"This course has truly changed my life. I now feel that I am prepared to tackle my Questbridge essays, supplemental essays, and any other college essays to ensure that I've tried my best and hardest for my future. After all that this course has provided me with, saying thank you feels inadequate, but still – thank you so much, Ethan. You have truly changed my life and my perspective on writing a personal statement."

-Amenna R, Student

I’ve been known to procrastinate on EVERYTHING. However, this course helped to keep me motivated and productive as I knew that this course would be able to really help me on the college application process. If you are one to slack off or procrastinate, I suggest taking this course. Think of it as a class. As long as you do your assignments to the best of your ability and on time, you will benefit in the long run. It may seem like a lot of work, but it will be worth it when your hard work pays off and you are able to accomplish your goals.”
— Imani
 
 
With the aid of Ethan’s constructive feedback, I have learnt a great deal about myself as a person and as a writer. The Application process is so much more than a number on a paper, it is a journey of self discovery. As I continue to embark on this journey, I will always be thankful for all that I have learned during my time working with Ethan.
— Salasha D, Student
You de-stressed the essay writing process by making feel that we could relate to you. Rather than being stressed about writing my essay, I was excited for the sessions, and actually looked forward to finding my topic and then writing it. Thank you!
— Julianne W, Student
Your mission to provide equitable access to the best courses on essays is what got me to where I am today, from the pay what you can system to my frequent talks with my Matchlighters counselor. You gave me the tools I needed to change my life. For that, my family, friends, and myself thank you for the bottom of our hearts.
— Ali, Harvard University, Class of 2021
 
"I think this course really changed my life."

-Angela G, student
 

Start writing your essays today.

20+

VIDEO LESSONS

Watch the lessons wherever and whenever you want. You have access for a full year.

20+

Sample essays

Read inspiring sample essays and learn why they work so well.

620

colleges

...use the Common App and the personal statement you write in this course will work for them all.

100%

GUARANTEED

If you're not completely satisfied with the course, get a full refund within 30 days.

1

GOAL

Craft an amazing personal statement.


What's inside the Choose Your Own Adventure Essay Tool?
CYOA tool gif.gif

In the Tool I answer:

  • What’s the purpose of the personal statement?

  • How is it different from an English essay? 

  • What are the keys to a great personal statement?

  • Yes, but how do I actually do this in my personal statement?

  • What are some of the most effective exercises for brainstorming a topic?

Picking a Topic:

  • What if I can’t decide if my topic will make a “good” essay?

  • Are there any situations where I may not want to write about life struggles?

  • Should I write about mental health challenges?

  • Are there any "don'ts" or things I should be wary of when choosing a topic?

  • Tips for Writing about COVID-19.

Outlining Your Essay:

Montage Structure (Not Challenges-Based)

  • I Love/I Know

  • Essence Objects/Stuff in My Room

  • Skill/Superpower

  • Career

  • Identity

  • Home

  • Uncommon

  • Extracurricular Activity

Narrative Structure (Challenges-Based)

  • Part 1: Challenges & Effects

  • Part 2: What I Did About it

  • Part 3: What I Learned (aka Insights)

Revising Your Essay:

  • What if my challenges aren’t clear or the impacts of those challenges on my life aren’t clear?

  • What if the challenges aren’t all that compelling—how can I make my challenge more interesting? How can I draw the reader in more?

  • How can I more effectively communicate how I overcame my challenge(s)?

  • How can I more effectively communicate what I learned or how I grew from my challenge(s)?

  • How can I bring more insight into my essay? 

  • What are some ways that I can write a great hook/intro? 

book.png

As well as:

  • 3 Ideas for Starting Your Challenges-Based Essay 

  • 7 More Ideas for Starting Your Montage Essay 

  • What resources might help me improve word choice and sentence flow? 

  • How do I make sure the essay is doing its job? And what is its job, anyway?

  • Where can I find great example essays? 

  • Where can I find resources for other parts of the college application process?

 

Here's what a few more students
have said about my courses:

"I didn't know how to write an essay at all, but by taking this course now I really know how to write one. It encouraged me to think about the challenges I've faced in my life and their impact on me. The first exercise made me to go and look at my Scrapbook and photos and this really made me happy. This course helped me in writing an essay while bringing my memories back, which made me realize that I'm capable of reaching my goals and I'm strong."

-Ana

"I came into this course thinking I was a hopeless case because I didn't have any harrowing tales of struggle. I tried just being really braggy in my essay, but I found a real focus in my last paragraph, where I talked about a topic that meant a lot to me. I had originally thought I shouldn't talk about that topic because it was such a GOOD experience for me and I thought it would be too shallow. I learned that I could talk about what I loved as an essay topic if I could infuse it with my values."

-Jordan

"I came into this course a bit grumpy that I had sacrificed all my week nights for college essay writing, but once I got into it I felt like I hit my groove, and, with your help and advice, really got inspired to write." 

-Ava

"The past week, was more of a journey than a tutorial for my personal statement. Before the course, I was looking outwards for inspiration. My week with Ethan taught me to find inspiration within myself, but best of all, he provided me the tools to put it on paper."

Jonathan

"Thanks for the webinar. I have learned a lot since then. Getting to put my pen on writing my essays, just tears me up as I have to reconnect with my past, but I will get there. Thanks to Ethan and his team for leading us towards getting into college."

-Emily

"College Essay Guy is much like Batman or spider man. He is a super hero, with super powers. To channel your own Ethan Sawyer you don't need to be some unattainable being; you simply need to learn, work, and unleash your own superhero in your writing. Through his lessons and courses Ethan helps you discover your own super powers.  It's the perfect storm of lessons and personal feedback. Overall it has been a pleasure to work with Ethan, and all his creative material is conducive for anyone to be the College Essay Guy they wish to see in the world"

-Max K

 
 

How to Write a Personal Statement
Part 1 of my How to Apply to College Video Course Series

Pay in Full

Video Course Access

$297

Live Q&A Sessions w/ Ethan

Learn to Brainstorm, Write, and Revise
Your Main College Personal Statement

30+ Video Modules

1 Year Access to the
Choose Your Own Adventure Tool

Payment Plan

4 Monthly Payments of

$74/month

Live Q&A Sessions w/ Ethan

Learn to Brainstorm, Write, and Revise
Your Main College Personal Statement

30+ Video Modules

1 Year Access to the
Choose Your Own Adventure Tool

Personalized
1-on-1 Support

With My Team of Experienced Essay Coaches and Counselors

Dig deep and uncover your unique story

1:1 coaching for brainstorming, drafting, & writing

Craft outstanding college essays & applications alongside your coach

Optional: Get college counseling & admissions planning support

Check out the full course syllabus for dates, times, homework and more information.

Register for this course and get 50% off part 2 of my course, How to Write the College Application + Supplemental Essays.

How? Register for this course and you’ll be taken to the discounted offer.

 
Pay-What-You-Can:

Can’t afford the course?

I offer pay-what-you-can spots for students from low-income households.

Reach out below to request a spot. It only takes a minute or two.

Blog Post Templates (square) (14).jpg

Want to finish your entire Common Application?

Take Part 2: How to Write the College Application + Supplemental Essays

Learn how to write outstanding supplemental essays, craft an awesome activities list, and create a compelling application. Read sample essays, activities lists, and successful college applications, then learn how they were developed.

Module 1: Creating an Inspired Application in Half the Time
Module 2: the Activities List, Additional Information Section, & the "Why Us" Essay
Module 3: the Extracurricular Essay
Module 4: the Supplemental Essays
Module 5: Short Answers & More Supplemental Essays
Module 6: How to Make Sure Your Application Is Doing Its Job


Are you a College Counselor?

I have a course just for you.


YOU MAY BE WONDERING (FAQ)

+How do I log in?

If you have purchased any of our online video courses or live webinars, you can login by going to the website menu bar > Log In > Online Courses. You can view that page here. From there you can access all of your products in your library.

If you already have access to our Choose Your Own Adventure Tool, go to the menu bar, click “Log In,” and click “Choose Your Own Adventure Tool.”

+Are live sessions recorded?

Yes! Live sessions will be recorded and hosted inside your course account inside the relevant session module.

+What’s the homework?

You can find the homework in your course syllabus! Each week, we’ll ask you to complete optional brainstorming exercises or work on your essays in preparation for the upcoming live session.

+How long do I have access to the course?

Students have access to the course for one year from the date of purchase.

+Are essay reviews included with the course?

Unfortunately we have a small team and are not currently able to guarantee essay reviews as a part of this course.

However, sometimes Ethan may ask for students to submit a few essay drafts to review during the live sessions as an example for the group. In this case, we will let you know during the course where to send essays for a potential review.

+Can I get a discount?

Access is really important to all of us at College Essay Guy. It’s at the heart of most everything Ethan does and is why so many resources on the site are free. As this is something we are passionate about, we have an option to submit a pay-what-you-can request on each of our course pages.

+WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD IT?

As with all my courses and resources, I have pay-what-you-can spots available for students from low-income households. Just click the orange button above.

+What if I have another question?

My FAQ page has you covered. Or, if you can't find the answer there, shoot an email to my team: help@collegeessayguy.com.