Personal Statement Studio
… a four-week, small-group summer writing program that takes rising seniors from blank page to finished personal statement.
Personal Statement Studio gives rising seniors a clear brainstorming and writing process, a small supportive group, and two one-on-one check-ins with a college planning and essay expert so they finish the summer with a personal statement that sounds like them (and a parent who can finally relax).
The personal statement isn't something most kids can just sit down and write. It takes reflection, direction, and someone who knows how to pull a real story out of a teenager who insists they have "nothing interesting to say."
Without a process and a personal deadline, it gets pushed. And pushed. Until it's October and applications are due and suddenly everything is urgent at once.
“Carly helped guide my ideas through the essay writing process, and 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, ‘23 Student
Most families assume the personal statement is something their kid figures out with the help of their English teacher, a little Googling, and enough time over summer break.
But their English teacher probably isn’t a college admissions expert. Google has no idea who your kid is. And time over summer break has a way of disappearing fast.
Parents don’t expect the blank screen, the resistance, and the three weeks that go by without a single word written.
Personal Statement Studio gives your teen what the DIY approach doesn't: a clear process, consistent accountability, and someone in their corner who knows how to get a real, compelling story out of a kid who doesn't think they have one.
Instead of staring at a blank screen, they'll have a draft.
Instead of Googling example essays at midnight, you'll have someone who knows exactly what works.
And instead of hoping it comes together, you'll know it did.
Imagine your teen sitting down to write their personal statement in July and finishing it.
Picture the fall of senior year without the essay hanging over everything and a kid who already has a draft they're proud of, with time to focus on everything else.
That's what the college essay process looks like when you have the right support.
“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! Having her guidance gave our kids confidence in writing their essays. Carly gave us expert support!!”
— Amy, ‘23, ‘25, ‘26 Parent
I'm Carly, the founder of Rooted College Planning and a Certified Educational Planner. Before starting Rooted, I spent a decade in higher education and admissions. I regularly meet with admissions counselors at colleges all over the country, so I know exactly what admissions readers are looking for when they open a personal statement.
I created Personal Statement Studio because most students don't need more time to write. They need direction, feedback, and someone who knows what works.
Your teen has a story worth telling. I built this program to help them find it.
Personal Statement Studio is a structured, four-week process so your teen can write their college essay with intention and direction.
Here's how it works:
Week 1 — Wednesday, July 8 Brainstorming & Introduction to the Personal Statement
We start at the beginning: who your teen is, what stories are worth telling, and what makes a personal statement work. Your teen leaves with real ideas and a plan to writing their “zero draft.”
Week 2 — Wednesday, July 15 Reviewing & Reflecting on the Personal Statement
We look at what's working, what isn't, and how to take a rough idea to a draft worth developing.
1:1 Check-In — July 16 and 17 Personalized Check-In #1
A 30-minute one-on-one session so your teen gets personalized feedback on exactly where they are in the process.
Week 3 — Wednesday, July 22 Peer Review & Feedback Workshop
Students share their drafts, give and receive feedback from the group, and hear directly from me on what's landing and what needs work.
Week 4 — Wednesday, July 29 Peer Review & Feedback Workshop
Another round of peer review and individualized feedback so every student leaves with a strong, refined draft.
1:1 Check-In — July 30 & 31 Personalized Check-In #2
A final 30-minute one-on-one session to close out the program with personalized next steps.
All group calls are 60 minutes and start at 1pm PT/4pm ET.
Want to keep going after the personal statement? Make sure your kid nails their supplemental essays and activities list with two bonus sessions available exclusively for Personal Statement Studio students:
Supplemental Essay 101 — Wednesday, August 5
A focused session on tackling supplemental essays — the shorter, school-specific prompts that trip up even the most prepared students. Includes a remote review of one supplemental essay of your teen’s choosing within 7 days of the session.
Activities List 101 — Wednesday, August 12
Everything your teen needs to know to present their activities and experiences in a way that stands out. Includes a remote review of their complete activities list (from one application - Common App, UC application, etc) within 7 days of the session.
“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!! Wanted to update you and thank you for help her get there with all the essays!”
— Jackie, ‘22 Parent
The Investment
Personal Statement Studio: $497
Your child will understand the purpose of the college personal statement and what colleges are looking for before being led through the writing process with guidance. We start with brainstorming, move into drafting, and, with their hard work, they will end with a completed personal statement by the end of the program.*
*I can’t MAKE your child write their essay, so legally, I can’t guarantee a finished personal statement. But I will be there along the way, cheering them on and guiding them through each step to help them reach this goal.
Bonus sessions ONLY for Personal Statement Studio students:
Supplemental Essay & Activities List 101: $197 $137 before May 17!
That’s just $634 for 7+ hours of expert support!
This is for your teen if…
🌿 They're a rising senior planning to apply to college and the personal statement hasn't been touched yet
🌿 They work better with deadlines, community, and feedback than on their own
🌿 They're willing to show up, do the work, and be open to feedback
🌿 You want them heading into senior year with one less major thing to do
This isn't for your teen if…
🌿 They're not willing to engage (this process requires a student who shows up and participates)
🌿 You're looking for someone to write the essay for them
🌿 The essay is already done and you just need light editing
Your child has a story worth telling. They just need the structure, support, and guidance to get it on paper.