Personal Statement Studio

Join Carly Gieszl, Certified Educational Planner, for a guided 4-week summer program to help your teen write a strong, authentic college essay before senior year begins.

Wednesdays, July 2 – July 23, 2025
2:00pm Pacific | 3:00pm Mountain | 4:00pm Central | 5:00pm Eastern
1.5 hours/week | Live on Zoom | Includes 1:1 support + remote editing
$349

Does your rising senior still need to write their personal statement?

The Personal Statement Studio is a small-group program designed to help students write a compelling main college essay. This essay is required by nearly every school on the Common App.

Over four weeks, students will move from blank page to polished draft, with structure, support, and expert guidance every step of the way. They'll brainstorm, draft, revise, and walk away with a finished personal statement they feel proud of.*

“Carly helped me better understand and approach the college admissions process by making me feel confident in all of the steps I had to take. She ensured I knew what to expect, specific timelines and deadlines, and how to handle all of the work. She helped guide my ideas through the essay writing process, provide helpful examples and instructions, and gave informative and thoughtful feedback. I never felt judged or embarrassed to share my writing! Carly encouraged me to be authentic in my writing, but always helped to make it college-level.”

- Nola, Class of 2023 Student

What's Included:

  • Live weekly group sessions (1.5 hours each) to learn, write, and get feedback

  • Breakout room time for individualized attention during group sessions

  • Two 1:1 meetings during the four weeks for personalized guidance

  • Remote editing support to assist students between sessions

  • A finished main college essay, ready to use on applications*

This program is perfect for students who:

  • Want to get the hardest part of the college application done early

  • Need help finding the right topic and telling their story

  • Thrive with a mix of group energy and individual attention

“Carly is incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in our kids' success. I love that she sees each of our kids as an individual, not just a "one size fits all." She takes the time to get to know them, their strengths, goals and personality.

Working with Carly was one of the best decisions we have made for our kids. She made what could have been an overwhelming process feel manageable and even exciting! Carly gave us expert support!!”

- Amy, Classes of 2023 and 2025 Parent

“Before we started, everything was overwhelming. Carly helped us in every way possible. She was with us all the way and we knew she would get back to us right away.

She is the best! It is the best money you can spend!”

- Lynn, Class of 2024 Parent

Limited spots are available to keep groups small and support high.

*Students get what they put in! While most students can fully complete their personal statement during the Personal Statement Studio, some may need additional time after the studio is over.

“Wanted to give you the final tally! ——— made her final choice a few weeks ago. Today she heard from the last school… and she got into the honors program!! She got into all 10 colleges she applied to which is so impressive. Wanted to update you and thank you for getting her there with all the applications and her essays!”

- Jackie, Class of 2022 Parent

Want to keep the momentum going?

Once your student finishes their personal statement, the next step is making sure the rest of their application tells a strong, consistent story - starting with the Activities List.

Add-on Workshop: Activities List 101
Live on Zoom | Wednesday, July 30 | 1.5 hours

In this follow-up session for only $75, students will learn how to craft a clear, strategic Activities List that highlights their impact and helps admissions officers understand who they are beyond the essay.

Perfect for students who want to:
✔ Present their activities clearly and confidently
✔ Maximize those 150-character descriptions
✔ Build a cohesive application narrative

Spots are limited - reserve your student’s seat now!

Activities List 101 is ONLY available as an add-on for students enrolled in the Personal Statement Studio.

Please reach out to hello@rootedcollegeplanning with any questions about the Personal Statement Studio or Activities List 101.

Meet Carly Gieszl, M.Ed., M.S.

Carly has dedicated her career to helping students and teenagers find their way. An Arizona-native, Carly completed her bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Human Development at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, where she was employed as a student worker in the Office of Admissions. After graduation, Carly was employed at the University of Arizona, spending years working with incoming freshmen and their families preparing for new student orientation and their first day of college and planning events for new and current students.

Carly earned her master’s degree in Higher Education from Northern Arizona University and then her master’s degree in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University. She completed her certificate in College Counseling from the University of California at San Diego in Fall 2020 and continues to participate in professional development opportunities including attending conferences, trainings, and enrolling in courses. Carly earned the designation of Certified Educational Planner (CEP) in March 2025, the highest certification in her profession.

She loves that she gets to utilize her education and interest in family dynamics, adolescent development, and education while working with students and their families during the college admissions process.

About Rooted College Planning

With a unique niche in family dynamics and the parent-child relationship, Rooted College Planning is committed to finding college options for each student’s best fit.

Knowing what goes into the college admissions process, Carly brings her blend of experiences to provide support and expertise specific to each student and family, from freshman year all the way through high school graduation.

Rooted College Planning often works with students who may not be sure of the path ahead, providing a supportive environment where students feel empowered to explore their interests and discover their unique strengths.

As a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and a Certified Educational Planner, Carly is held to high moral and ethical standards.

Carly is based in Arizona with offices in Tucson and the East Valley and works with students across the country.