Thrive Tutoring and Admissions

Thrive Admissions

"We all use phrases like 'the ordinary world,' 'ordinary life,' 'the ordinary course of events'… But...nothing is usual or normal. Not a single stone and not a single cloud above it. Not a single day and not a single night after it. And above all,
not a single existence, not anyone’s existence in this world."

Wisława Szymborska, Nobel Prize lecture

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"Joanna has an amazing way of drawing out the best in her students--she asks the right questions, gives gentle but insightful feedback, and always motivates with positivity. What could have been a stressful process has turned into a journey of self-discovery for my son. We are so grateful to the time, energy, and care Joanna has invested in helping him put together applications that reflect his authentic voice."

Harjit S., Lancaster, PA

Students who are able to see themselves as a character in their own story and draw on the elements of fiction to write their personal statement make a lasting impression on admissions counselors. I act as a guide--leading students through the process of pre-writing, drafting, revising, and polishing. I also offer practical advice on do's and don'ts.

A graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, published author, and winner of multiple national writing awards, I bring more than twenty-five years of joyful teaching experience and personalized support to helping students write the personal statement and supplemental essays.

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I help students...

Brainstorm/freewrite and use other techniques to find a topic
Develop a singular perspective
Write engaging, vivid details and descriptions using the 5 senses
(paint a picture with words)
Characterize themselves through desire, action, thoughts, and dialogue
Weave emotional interiority into their depiction of themselves
Establish a consistent voice and tone
Use literary devices such as metaphor
Reflect on experience with insight
Find the threads that lend unity to disparate moments or events
Write concisely, fluidly, and with precision
Avoid common missteps
Ensure the statement is unified, coherent, cohesive,
grammatically correct, and error-free