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Ivy League Prep Academy Podcast
Equipping you to successfully pursue the college of your dreams. I believe that the world needs every student to reach their full potential. College admittance shouldn't hold you back. I'm an educator and Harvard grad who has been in your shoes. I designed this podcast to accompany the Ivy League Challenge (my online course) to support my listeners. I've met with graduates, admissions officers, and professors to identify the criteria used to select candidates. I've crafted a road map for success and can share it with you.
Ivy League Prep Academy Podcast
Personal Statement College Essay Workshop wk 2 Your Garbage Draft
You’ve done the hard thinking. You’ve found your insights, explored your contradictions, and reflected deeply. But now you’re stuck—staring at a blank page, unsure how to turn those ideas into a compelling college essay.
In this episode, Steve explains why the next step is not perfection—it’s motion. You’ll learn how to choose the right moment to write about, why your first draft should be messy, and how that so-called “garbage draft” is the best way to get unstuck and start building an unforgettable essay.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why insight alone won’t get you a finished essay
- How to choose a powerful, reflective moment for your personal statement
- The truth about “impressive” stories (and what to do instead)
- Why the garbage draft is your most powerful tool for clarity and momentum
- A simple two-step plan to move from stuck to confident
Ready to finish your essay?
Join Steve’s College Essay Workshop and get:
- Access to recordings from completed weeks
- Step-by-step guidance to write a powerful, authentic essay