Your child has begun thinking about their college applications, and you have no idea where to start.
I've been there.
My name is Olivia Gundrum, and I help high school students with their college essays. But I was once a high school student struggling to figure out how to stand out to colleges.
When I was seventeen...
I spent my Sundays at a local coffee shop stressing over my essays. No one in my family had graduated from college. Even if they had, the online, competitive application process was something my parents' generation never had to navigate.
I created Illuminated Essays...
because I know that every student has the potential to submit an impressive college application.
The key? Having a great tutor.
After a college essay presentation I once gave in Troy, I had a parent approach me.
She confessed, “My daughter and I didn’t know if we should go to this because we figured it’d be the same information we’ve already heard. I told her we could just sneak out the back quietly if it was going to be useless. But this was genuinely the most helpful advice we’ve gotten about the college essay.”
Now, I’ve taken the information from that presentation and put it into my guide: How To Write A College Essay that isn’t just good, but Great.
It was so validating to hear that family’s experience- because I was also frustrated with the college essay advice online.
-
Every website gives the same cliche advice: “Show don’t tell.”
-
Ironically, they tell you to “stand out” but don’t actually show you how.
-
They only give you the perfect final draft, but never show you the first draft & explain how the essay improved over time.
This is why students & families are left feeling discouraged. I wanted to provide a resource that was different.
With this FREE guide:
-
You’ll learn the 3 things college essays MUST include in order to stand out
-
You will see real examples of students’ first drafts
-
You’ll be able to read the feedback I provided and see how it influenced the final draft
-
You will learn how to brainstorm at least 9 essay ideas that will actually result in competitive essays
If you’re tired of being told to “stand out” but haven’t been given clear directions on HOW to do that- download my guide.
More about me...
Bachelor's Degree in English
Michigan State University
I graduated summa cum laude from the Honors College. I'm proud to be the first person in my family to graduate from college.
Master's Degree in Teaching and Curriculum
Michigan State University
The concentration of my program was 9-12 literacy. I am highly trained in supporting high schoolers in all things English class!
High School English Teacher
Detroit Public Schools
When I'm not helping students with their college essays, I'm with my other students in Southwest Detroit. Helping young people reach their potential is my greatest passion!
Professional Writing Consultant
The Writing Center at MSU
In this role, I helped students apply for business school, medical school, law school, graduate school, doctoral programs, and so much more!
