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.
Small-Group Personal Statement Writing Workshop at Beacon
Next Level Learning is excited to launch its 4-week college essay course at Beacon beginning Monday, September 28th.
The course will include:
● Writing exercises to help students discover their most effective style
● Analysis of mentor essays to understand what appeals to admissions officers
● Drafting of students’ own essays with detailed instructor feedback
● Homework between classes to keep essays moving forward
Please Note: The intention is for each student to leave the course with a strong draft of their college essay.
Completion depends on each student’s effort, but those who keep up with classwork and homework typically finish
their essays by the end of the course — including students applying to schools for Early Decision or Early Action by
November 1st. (Next Level Learning’s writing instructors are available for one-on-one support should any student
wish to continue refining their essay or work on supplements after course completion.)
Classes will be held at Beacon in Room 512 on:
Monday, September 28th, 3:00 - 4:30pm
Monday, October 5th, 3:00 - 4:30pm
Monday, October 19th, 3:00 - 4:30pm
Monday, October 26th, 3:00 - 4:30pm
-$325 per student, includes all materials
To register, please complete the registration form.
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.
We also encourage you to check out the brand new Writing Center in the library for personal statement and supplemental essay support, open to walk-ins E-Band (daily) and SGI.
Looking for Additional Support?
Beacon students have worked with and recommended these resources in the past.
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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.
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.
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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.
Next Level’s professional instructors help students in all phases of the college process: researching and developing a list of appropriate schools, creating a due-date timeline that tracks each phase of the admissions process, drafting and refining all application essays and supplements, and practicing interview skills.
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.
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Through AIM Academic, Alex offers writing development at any stage in the process.
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.