Scholar Lab: The Main Essay (for Class of '26)

**Exclusively for Access College America scholars.

*For Class of 2026

Crafting a competitive Main Essay (aka: the personal statement) is arguably one of the hardest parts of the college application experience. The stakes are high as this essay will be read by every single college you apply to. Ideas should be mapped out strategically and with intention.

This lab provides insight into what colleges are looking for in a main essay. The presenter will guide all scholars through exercises designed for self-reflection which is vital to the writing experience. A discussion on the four cornerstones to a great college essay will be conducted and attendees are expected to show up with all pre-requisites completed. The scholar should leave this lab with their Topic and an Outline of their Main Essay.

Needed: 

• Completed College Reasonings 

• Revised Scholar Vitae & Resume 

• Completed Exercises from the Main Essay Lab 

• 2 Pens, highlighter(s), notebook for taking notes, 3-to-5 blank sheets of paper. 

Presenter:

Bonnie Kleffman, MEd, GCDF

Managing Director of Advising

Access College America

Bonnie is a globally certified Career Development Facilitator who holds a Masters in Education and English. She has worked with students of all ages and backgrounds, and has a passion for helping students find careers that they love and the educational paths to get them there. She is the Managing Director of Advising for Access College America, a national provider for guidance with college planning based in Austin, Texas.