About Your Consultant, Rachel Levin

I am a graduate of Stanford University and hold masters’ degrees in English and Professional Writing from the University of Southern California (USC). As a college writing instructor and consultant in the Writing Centers at both USC and Los Angeles City College (LACC), I have helped hundreds of students craft polished essays. I have also worked with high school students at the Cal State LA Young Writers Camp, Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences, and the Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth. I previously consulted with medical, law, and business school applicants at Princeton Review’s Hyperlearning and Blueprint Test Prep. My own writing has appeared in numerous publications, including the Los Angeles Times.

Welcome!

Thank you for visiting the home page of Write Strong Consulting. If you’re stopping by, chances are that the task of writing your personal statement – for college, graduate/professional school, a certificate or credential program, or a scholarship/fellowship – is causing you some distress. It can be daunting to stare down the blank page and figure out how to best represent yourself and your goals to an admissions committee. But stop the nail biting! Read on to learn how I can help you write a perfected personal statement that will significantly boost your chances of admission.

What’s So Important About Personal Statements?

Personal statements are an increasingly important part of the admissions process. They provide a way for admissions committees to get to know you as an individual and evaluate the diversity you will bring to their campus. To gain acceptance to competitive programs, you can’t rely on good grades and test scores alone. Conversely, if your grades or test scores aren’t what you’d like them to be, a well-written application essay can really make the difference. It sets you apart from the multitude as well as demonstrates your ability to think critically and communicate clearly.

What Makes a Good Essay?

The best personal statements are well-crafted narratives linking your past experiences to your current desires and future goals. They draw the reader in with an exciting “hook” and then move on to articulate why you want to attend the program you are applying to. The personal statement is not just a litany of accomplishments as you’d put on a resume. Rather, it should be a compelling narrative that tells an engaging story (remember: Facts tell; stories sell!). That’s where I come in.