It’s all about you.
The college application provides an overview of who you are as a student: the classes you’ve taken, the grades you’ve earned, the activities you’ve participated in. Then test scores and teacher recommendations help round out the picture. The college essay is your opportunity to get personal – to put your story into context.
Looking for support on your personal statement?
Join Beacon’s small-group personal statement workshop, beginning August 17th.
The course will include:
● Guided writing exercises that help students identify compelling essay topics and develop an authentic writing
voice that reflects their own experience
● Analysis of successful college essays to better understand what admissions officers are looking for
● Drafting and revision of each student’s essay with personalized instructor feedback during class, in
one-on-one breakout sessions, and between classes
● Homework assignments that keep students making steady progress between classes
Classes will be held virtually from 5:00 - 6:30pm on the following dates:
Monday, August 17th
Thursday, August 20th
Monday, August 24th
Thursday, August 27th
Monday, August 31st
Thursday, September 3rd
The cost is $450 per student, which includes all course materials.
Please fill out the registration form register.
*Course dependent on sufficient number of registrants.
2026-2027 Common Application Prompts:
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
Looking for Additional Support?
Beacon students have worked with and recommended these resources in the past.
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Free simple and straightforward essay guidance in a clean and clear user interface.
Classes and additional fee-based resources are available for more hands-on support.
Free essay resources available through students’ Maia Learning accounts (click on “Essays”).
Paid 1:1 essay coaching for personal statement and supplemental essays is also available.
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A full-service private tutoring company with virtual services, offering a breadth of academic tutoring, standardized test prep, essay writing and application help across the board with a former Beacon teacher.
Complete college application counseling including essay writing coaching. Not local, but students have had success working collaboratively through a Skype connection.
Experienced writing coaches well-versed in college essay guidance as well as academic support and standardized test prep. Extensive experience with Beacon families as well as working with students with learning differences.
Great Expectations College Prep have helped thousands of high schoolers develop narratives that are both authentic and unique, enabling them to differentiate themselves in the application process and thus earn acceptances at some of the best colleges in the world – but more importantly, at colleges that are the perfect fit.
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Through AIM Academic, Alex offers writing development at any stage in the process.
Award-winning writer, journalist and writing professor Liz Benedict will guide you through the process with skill, compassion, and insight. Scholarships are available.
Beacon alum, Fulbright scholar, Harvard graduate and NYU Law student with a professional journalism background. Experienced writing tutor providing college essay and application writing, subject-based essay writing, and essay writing and grammar for standardized tests (SAT/ACT).
Leslie Seifert meets with students one-on-one to clarify the subject and focus of the college essays, then provides regular feedback throughout the revision process. Leslie was editor of the Sunday Opinion section of Newsday for nine years and has worked as a print journalist for over 30 years.
Joya is a Columbia University alumna offering college essay assistance as well as standardized test preparation and interview practice. Joya also has years of experience working with students with learning disabilities.
Jake Rosen, a former Beacon History teacher, assists students with college essays and applications as well as academic and test prep tutoring.
Beacon alum Livia Whitermore provides thorough and personable college essay review across three sessions.
Private college essay tutor; collaborative approach to assist students in building writing skills and writing confidence.
Help juniors and seniors identify unique and meaningful personal stories, and give them the space and guidance to tell those stories in their own authentic voices.