The Approach

The application essay presents an applicant the opportunity to convince their reader of their most compelling character traits. An applicant can use their essay to prove drive, curiosity, leadership, compassion, dedication or any other trait that defines their character. The key to the application essay is to tell an anecdotal story rich with vivid imagery and personal voice to allow the reader to experience how the applicant thinks and sees the world. When a student places the reader in their own mind, they’re not telling them what’s great about them— they’re proving it.

When applicants pursue an anecdote under Rob’s guidance, a theme always emerges. The places where we invest our time and effort reveal insights that apply to diverse aspects of our lives. The application reader wants to know: how does this applicant work? What makes this applicant tick?? Whether it is the patience an applicant applies to programming that they developed when farming mangos at their grandparents’ farm in India every year or the humility that a medic gained when applying tourniquets to victims on both sides of a conflict, every applicant learns key insights and lessons from engaging with their passions and overcoming challenges that serve them throughout their lives. Our task is to pursue an anecdote close to the applicant’s heart to reveal key takeaways that serve a central theme and demonstrate unmistakable development and maturity.

Unfortunately, without guidance, applicants often make the mistake of rewriting their resume. They list their accomplishments and accolades, squandering their opportunity to transport the admissions officer into their mind. Rob helps applicants to write anecdotal stories from their life that accomplish three primary goals:

• Transport the reader into the student’s mind. This way, the admissions officer is captivated, experiencing life from behind the applicant’s eyes. The way you see the world is a mystery you can solve for your reader!

• Demonstrate the student’s personal voice and writing prowess. Get some personality into the application so the admissions officer knows they’re dealing with a real human being. Also, show that you can write!

• Prove the student’s most compelling personality characteristics. Claiming ingenuity or leadership isn’t going to cut it! Prove to your reader your best traits through anecdotal evidence.

I can’t say enough about Rob. He sat with me patiently and guided me in submitting strong applications to 17 schools. He was extremely professional, intelligent, and supportive throughout the whole process. I got into my top 3 doctoral programs all because of his guidance and support. I’m incredibly grateful to have found him as a support and hopeful to work with him in the future! I would recommend for anyone applying to school, he does not disappoint!

-Alyssa B.