Jessica Reich believes that all students can write authentic and compelling college application essays.
For more than five years, she has coached dozens of high school seniors as they brainstorm, write and edit Personal Statements for the Common Application, Personal Insight Questions for colleges in the University of California system and supplemental essays. She has held numerous “Getting Started on Your College Essays” workshops at Berkeley High School, the public library and for private clients. She is the author of Writing Your Best College Essay, which features a step-by-step guide to writing essays as well as a detailed analysis of sample essays by real high school students. Jessica received the Wow Writing Workshop college essay coach certification in 2024.
Free Workshop at the Albany Library
Sunday, October 11 from 12–1:15 PM
Do you need help getting started with your college essays? Are you stuck because you don’t know what to write about?
This workshop will go over college essay fundamentals and take participants through a series of exercises to help them figure out their essay theme. The lessons learned in this workshop apply to Personal Statements, PIQs and supplemental essays.
Register for the Workshop →
Be authentic. Be reflective. Be yourself.
High school students: are you feeling anxious about your college application essays? Parents: do you want guidance on how to help your teen during this stressful time?
Writing Your Best College Essay includes step-by-step instructions for brainstorming, drafting and editing Personal Statements, UC Personal Insight Questions and supplemental essays. Sample successful essays by real high schoolers illustrate key concepts. A dedicated chapter for parents shares tips for how to support—but not take over—the writing process.
Ultimately, this book offers teens and their parents an antidote to college essay-writing stress.