College Admission Essay Blog: Expert Advice on Essays, Applications & More
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Moving through Writer’s Block
Many of my clients complain that they have a hard time getting started and dealing with the “dreaded blinking cursor” on the blank screen. Writer’s block can plague any
Keeping it honest
I’m currently working with a student who has had an alternative educational path. She really wants her colleges to see that she has had a regular social life. While she
Keep a Journal
I recently ran an essay workshop for an audience of mostly rising Sophomores. The college essay-writing experience seemed somewhat far-off for this crowd, but they were an eager bunch. One
Think like an anthropologist
When I coach students through the process of writing their admission essays, my training as an anthropologist comes through in two ways. First, anthropologists like to “dig” much like our
Writing as Practice
I like for my students to think of writing as an ongoing process, or a practice. Here’s a way to think about it: Writing is not only a tool for
On Style
We can say much about the style of your admission essay. Since these writing assignments generally call for you to tell a story about yourself, they invite you to write
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Who is Dr. Donna Kirschner, and why did she start YourAdmissionEssay?
Dr. Kirschner is a cultural anthropologist and UPENN-trained writing coach who founded YourAdmissionEssay in 2004 to help students succeed in the highly competitive college admissions essay process. Based in Philadelphia, she also works with students worldwide through online essay coaching. For more than 20 years, she has guided students in writing standout college application essays, personal statements, and supplemental essays that resonate with admissions committees.
Why hire an anthropologist as a college essay coach?
Unlike most English teachers or counselors, Dr. Kirschner applies her background in anthropology to help students reflect deeply on their identity, experiences, and goals. She teaches students how to investigate and understand their choice schools and then create essays that build a powerful bridge between themselves and each college. Her unique approach makes her one of the most sought-after college essay coaches in Philadelphia and beyond.
How is Dr. Kirschner different from an admissions counselor?
Admissions counselors oversee many students and focus on the full application process. Dr. Kirschner provides specialized coaching on one of the most important—and stressful—parts of admissions: the essays. Her personalized approach ensures that every student produces a compelling, authentic personal statement and supplemental essays that demonstrate fit and stand out to admissions officers. She works with local Philadelphia-area students as well as families remotely, around the world via Zoom and online essay coaching.
Why not just work with my student’s teacher or guidance counselor on college essays?
While teachers and counselors can provide general feedback, students often feel constrained working with people they already know. Dr. Kirschner’s supportive, focused role as a professional essay coach allows students to open up freely, explore their ideas, and write with authenticity and confidence—qualities admissions committees look for in strong applications.
My child is a good writer. Why do they freeze up when writing their college essays?
Even confident writers often feel overwhelmed by the pressure of writing a personal statement or supplemental essays for college. Admissions committees can feel like an intimidating audience. Dr. Kirschner’s college essay coaching, available both in-person in Philadelphia and online nationwide, helps students reduce stress, build confidence, and find their authentic voice so their essays shine.
What if my student struggles with perfectionism or procrastination during the essay process?
Perfectionist and procrastinating students often struggle to begin or complete their essays. Dr. Kirschner has a proven, structured method that transforms stress into curiosity and confidence. She helps students overcome writer’s block, manage anxiety, and move steadily through the essay process.
How should my student write about challenges without making them their entire story?
Colleges want resilient students who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to campus. Dr. Kirschner helps students reflect on personal challenges—such as health struggles, family transitions, or academic setbacks—in a way that highlights growth and resilience rather than letting those challenges define them. This approach creates authentic, powerful essays that admissions committees value.
What benefits will my student gain beyond the college admission essays?
Dr. Kirschner’s essay coaching goes beyond admissions. Students gain lifelong skills in self-reflection, storytelling, and effective communication. Many families in Philadelphia, across the U.S, and around the world share that the process increases their child’s self-awareness, confidence, and clarity—all of which serve them well in college and beyond.
Does college essay coaching with Dr. Kirschner really improve admissions results?
Yes. Over 85% of Dr. Kirschner’s students are admitted to one of their top-choice schools. Families also report that the coaching process lowers stress, improves the parent-student relationship, and gives students a calm, clear pathway through one of the most stressful parts of the admissions process. Dr. Kirschner works with students in Philadelphia and around the world through online essay coaching.
What do parents say about working with Dr. Kirschner?
Parents consistently praise Dr. Kirschner’s ability to listen, organize the process, and build trust with their child. They value how she helps students uncover authentic stories, manage stress, and produce polished essays without pressure from parents. Families in the Philadelphia region and beyond appreciate her compassionate, effective guidance.
Why work with Dr. Donna Kirschner
