Blog
Stories, insights, and advice on storytelling.
How Storytelling Rewires the Reader's Brain: The Science Behind a Great College Essay
The best college essays don't just describe an experience. They make the reader feel it. That's not just good writing. It's neuroscience. Learn how mental mirroring works and how to use it in your own essay.
How to Start a College Essay: 5 Powerful Openings (With Examples)
The first sentence of your college essay is the most important one you'll write. Here are five opening strategies (with examples) that draw admissions officers into your story from the very first line.
What Is a Personal Statement? A Complete Guide for College Applicants
The personal statement is one of the most important parts of your college application, but few students know exactly what it is or how to write one. Here's a complete guide, with examples and the steps we use with students every day.
How to Brainstorm for Your College Essays: 5 Exercises That Actually Work
Most students get stuck on their college essays before they even start writing, because they don't have a topic yet. Here are five brainstorming exercises that actually work, drawn from what we coach every day.
When Should You Start Your College Essays? A Timeline for Rising Seniors
When should you actually start writing your college essays? Here's a realistic, month-by-month timeline for rising seniors — from spring brainstorming through fall submission — designed to help you write strong essays without burning out before senior year even begins.
How to Craft a Career Story That Gets You Hired (Step-by-Step)
Whether you're actively applying for jobs, preparing to answer "tell me about yourself," or thinking about making a career change, there's one skill that will serve you better than any perfectly formatted resume: knowing how to tell your story.
How to Write College Essays: You Make the Rules
Writing college essays can feel overwhelming. This guide walks high school students through how to find meaningful moments, structure a personal statement, and write an authentic college admissions essay that truly reflects who they are.
College Essay & Career Storytelling as a Pathway to Opportunity in New York City
Across New York City, schools and college access organizations are supporting students as they navigate college admissions, career exploration, and postsecondary transitions. Revision Learning partners with NYC DOE schools, charter schools, and community-based organizations to provide scalable college essay and career storytelling support that expands access to opportunity.
Finding the Thread: How Career Storytelling Helps You Get Hired
As the year comes to a close, many professionals pause to reflect on their careers and what comes next. Career storytelling helps job seekers connect the dots across their experience, clarify their narrative, and approach the hiring process with greater confidence and intention.
3 Phrases You Should Never Use in Your College Essay (and What to Do Instead)
Most students accidentally weaken their college essays by using generic phrases like “I learned,” “I realized,” or “I felt.” These lines make essays sound repetitive and prevent admissions officers from seeing a student’s authentic perspective. Learn what to write instead—and how to make your story truly stand out.
How Storytelling Helps You Stand Out in a Tough Job Market
In today’s competitive job market—especially in New York City—resumes alone aren’t enough. Storytelling helps you stand out by making your skills and values memorable, authentic, and compelling. Learn how to use stories in interviews, networking, and applications—and why practicing in community can give you the confidence to shine.
4 Great Personal Statement Examples (and Why They Worked)
Looking for real personal statement examples that got students into top schools? This guide shares 4 standout essays—covering topics from family dinners to community organizing—and explains why each one worked. You’ll learn how to highlight your unique voice, turn everyday experiences into compelling stories, and write a college essay that admissions officers won’t forget.
Forget Topics! 7 Tips to Jumpstart Authentic College Admission Essays
Unlock your best college admission essays with 7 expert storytelling tips. Learn how to turn everyday moments, defining experiences, and personal reflections into authentic essays that reveal your character and make your application stand out. Perfect for students nationwide seeking college essay help and guidance in college admissions storytelling.
Why You Need a Career Story (And How It Can Change Everything)
Most people stumble when asked, “What’s your story?” But a clear, confident career story can change everything—from interviews to networking to self-worth. Learn why storytelling matters in your career and how to craft a narrative that opens doors, builds trust, and reflects who you truly are.
College Essay Rubric: A Guide to Strong, Story-Driven Essays
Looking for a college essay rubric that goes beyond grammar and structure? Our storytelling-based rubric helps students craft authentic, character-driven essays that stand out in the admissions process. Learn how to use it as a tool for deeper writing, reflection, and revision.
How Career Storytelling Sets You Apart, Especially in Mission-Driven Fields
In mission-driven fields like education and nonprofits, your resume isn’t the whole story, and it shouldn’t be. Career storytelling helps you connect your skills, experiences and character to the work you want to do. It builds trust, shows authenticity, and makes you memorable. In this post, we’ll break down why storytelling matters, when to use it, and how to tell your story in a way that resonates.
How Long Should a College Essay Be? Word Count Tips for Every Type of Essay
Wondering how long your college essay should be? Get clear word count guidelines for Common App personal statements, supplemental essays, and scholarship essays. Learn why sticking to limits matters, plus tips on hitting the right length to make your application shine.
The 3 Ds of College Essay Writing: How Details, Dialogue, and Description Make Your Essay Stand Out (With Examples)
Unlock the power of specific Details, Dialogue, and Description—the “3 Ds”—to make your college admission essays vivid and unforgettable. Learn how to draw readers into your story with sensory details, authentic conversations, and clear scene-setting that bring your unique experience to life.
10 Things to Avoid in Your College Essays
Avoid common college essay pitfalls with our top 10 tips! Learn how to craft authentic, engaging essays that reveal the real you without clichés, over-editing, or losing your unique voice. Discover what admissions officers really want and how to make your story stand out.
Who Reads Your College Application (And What They Look For)
Curious what happens when your college application lands on an admissions officer's desk? A real person, sometimes two or three, reads it. Learn who reviews your file, how each part of your application is evaluated, and what admissions officers look for in your essays, grades, extracurriculars, and more.