Scholar Workshop: The Main Essay (for Class of 2027)

**Exclusively for Access College America scholars.

*For Class of 2027

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:

Julie Gooden, M.Ed.

College Consultant Associate

Access College America

Julie brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as College Consultant Associate with Access College America. With an impressive 29-year career in public education, Julie's journey has evolved from the elementary school classroom to various impactful roles, including Lead Counselor, AP (Advanced Placement) Coordinator, Advanced Academics Coordinator, and AVID Counselor and Administrator. She also spent many years working in the admissions office of Austin Community College and an Academic Counselor.

Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development, as well as a Master’s in Education with a focus on Psychology/School Counseling, both earned from The University of Texas at Austin, where she proudly holds a Life Membership with the Texas-Exes. Her certifications span Elementary School Teaching, School Counseling, and Principal/Administration. In her role as a College Consultant Associate, Julie possesses a unique gift for working with individual scholars, helping them discover their passion and forge a path toward a productive and independent future within the community.