10-Draft College Essay Coaching Program
- Spencer Harrison
- Mar 21
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
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What we do in the consultation:
Overview of the full college essay process and timeline
Assess writing habits and strengths/weaknesses
Identify potential career/major interests
Introduce journaling as a brainstorming tool
Student responsibilities between sessions:
1. Complete daily journaling (15 minutes minimum)
2. Journal about career/major plans, moments of inspiration, and early experiences
3. Answer prompts: When were you inspired? First exposure? Key achievements?
4. Write freely and generate as many ideas as possible
Week 2 – Direction & Structured Outlining (click here for Week 2)
Consultation:
Review journaling work from Week 1
Discuss what was easy or challenging
Identify strongest career/major direction
Build a structured outline for Draft 2
Student responsibilities:
5. Write Draft 2 (~650 words)
6. Follow structure: Career goals (325 words) + Qualifications (325 words)
7. Include long-term goals, inspiration, and relevant experiences
Week 3 – First Full Draft (click here for Week 3)
Consultation:
Review previous draft
Focus on
Relevance of each example to career goal
Evaluate sequence of narrative
Student responsibilities:
8. Revise next draft based on narrative and relevance of examples
Week 4
Consultation:
Review previous draft
Introduction of mid- and long-term plans
Student responsibilities:
9. Add to draft 325 words on what excites you about studying your major at college (e.g. courses, clubs, activities) and what you look forward to about your career.
Week 5
Consultation:
Review previous draft
Evaluate the areas of the working draft to cut
Student responsibilities:
10. Revise the draft: 200 words on inspiration, 200 words on qualified experience, and 200 words on medium and long-term plans
Week 6
Consultation:
Review previous draft
Storytelling techniques: the five senses (visual, auditory, tactile, smell, taste)
Student responsibilities:
11. Revise draft by adding in sensory information to experiences
Week 7
Consultation:
Review previous draft
Storytelling techniques: Metacognition – what were you thinking/feeling at the time and what have you learned now looking back
Student responsibilities:
12. Revise by adding in metacognition and reflection
Week 8
Consultation:
Review previous draft
Storytelling techniques: Figurative language (metaphors, similes, hyperbole)
Student responsibilities:
13. Revise draft by adding in figurative language
Week 9
Consultation:
Review previous draft
Writing techniques: Order of sentences, transitions, syntax (order of words)
Student responsibilities:
14. Revise sentence style
Week 10
Consultation:
Review previous draft
Proofreading techniques: grammar, punctuation, spelling
Student responsibilities:
15. Proofread final draft
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Overview of the 10-Week Program
This 10-week college essay coaching program is designed to guide students from uncertainty to a polished, compelling personal statement through a structured and intentional process. Each phase builds on the previous one so that students not only complete a strong essay, but also develop clarity, depth, and confidence in their writing.
1. Brainstorming & Journaling (Weeks 1–2)
Description of the Stage
The program begins with structured brainstorming and journaling. Students write consistently in response to prompts about their academic interests, career goals, and meaningful life experiences. The focus is on generating raw material rather than producing a polished draft, allowing students to explore multiple ideas and uncover patterns in their experiences.
Why This Matters
Students often struggle because they try to start with a “perfect” idea. Journaling removes that pressure and helps them discover authentic, meaningful content. This stage ensures the essay is grounded in real experiences and provides a strong foundation for the rest of the process.
2. Direction & Structured Outlining (Week 2)
Description of the Stage
After generating ideas, students identify the most compelling themes and choose a clear direction for their essay. They then organize their thoughts into a structured outline that connects past experiences with future academic and career goals.
Why This Matters
A strong essay requires both good content and clear organization. The outline acts as a roadmap, helping students stay focused and ensuring their essay is cohesive rather than scattered or repetitive.
3. Iterative Drafting & Revision (Weeks 3–5)
Description of the Stage
Students write multiple drafts of their essay, each time refining their ideas, structure, and examples. Early revisions focus on big-picture elements such as clarity, relevance, and organization, rather than grammar or word choice.
Why This Matters
Effective writing is a process. By focusing on revision, students learn how to improve their work step by step instead of expecting perfection in one attempt. This leads to a more thoughtful, well-developed essay and builds long-term writing skills.
4. Narrative Development & Future Orientation (Weeks 4–5)
Description of the Stage
Students strengthen their narrative by connecting past experiences to future goals. They expand on their academic interests, college plans, and long-term aspirations while refining the overall flow of the essay.
Why This Matters
Admissions officers want to understand both who a student is and where they are going. This stage helps students present a clear sense of direction, making their essay more purposeful and compelling.
5. Advanced Writing Techniques (Weeks 6–8)
Description of the Stage
Once the structure is strong, students enhance their writing using techniques such as sensory detail, deeper reflection, and elements of voice and style. These additions make the essay more vivid and engaging.
Why This Matters
Many essays have solid content, but fewer are memorable. These techniques help bring experiences to life and show deeper insight, allowing the student’s personality and perspective to stand out.
6. Sentence Craft & Final Refinement (Weeks 9–10)
Description of the Stage
In the final stage, students refine sentence structure, improve transitions, and polish language for clarity and flow. The process concludes with careful proofreading for grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Why This Matters
Strong ideas must be presented clearly and professionally. This final step ensures the essay reads smoothly and leaves a strong impression, demonstrating attention to detail and care.
Final Outcome
By the end of the program, students produce a polished, submission-ready essay that clearly communicates their story and goals. Just as importantly, they develop a repeatable writing process that will benefit them in future academic and professional work.
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