The personal statement is one of the most important — and misunderstood — parts of the college application. In this short, powerful episode, Steve Gardner explains why so many students struggle to get started, what the real purpose of the personal statement is, and how families can reduce stress and gain a competitive edge now, before summer slips away.

If you're a parent or student feeling overwhelmed, this episode offers clarity, direction, and a powerful invitation to tackle this task with expert support.

🧭 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the personal statement is not the place to try to be impressive
• What admissions officers are really hoping to discover from the essay
• Why English teachers, editors, and even ChatGPT often make things worse
• How to avoid procrastination and gain real momentum
• What it takes to write a statement that’s truly effective — not just “done”
• How to get it off your plate now, with the right guidance

🚀 Ready to finish the personal statement before July?
Join the College Essay Bootcamp with Steve Gardner.

🗓️ Starts: Wednesday, June 4th, 8 PM Eastern
 💻 4 Live Zoom Sessions + Workbook + Bonuses
 🎯 Outcome: A compelling, submission-ready personal statement — done early, done right

👉 Register now: TILC.to/essay
 (Limited seats. Registration closes soon.)

🎁 Bonus Resources Included:

• “Top 5 Essay Mistakes to Avoid” Mini-Guide
• “Submission-Ready Checklist” to know when it’s truly complete