The Student (Before):

Julie, a high-achieving junior from Washington, dreamed of applying to Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. She had strong grades and SAT scores but her activities were scattered between Future Business Leadership of America (FBLA), debate, and volunteering. Her essays read like lists of accomplishments instead of a story.

The Challenge:
Julie was a high-achieving junior with excellent grades and SAT scores. On paper, she looked competitive, active in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), debate awards, and local volunteering.

However, her application felt scattered. Her activities didn’t connect into a central story. Julie worried admissions officers would see her as another résumé of achievements, not as a person guided by integrity and a clear vision. Her parents also weren’t sure how to help shape her application into something more cohesive, which left them anxious as deadlines approached.

The Approach:

Using my CAPES framework, we mapped her activities and found a throughline: her commitment to nonprofit work and community leadership. She wasn’t just interested in “business”. She was interested in leading with purpose. Together, we developed a narrative around being a “non profit leader.” Her essays shifted from listing achievements to telling the story of how she plans to lead the future of nonprofit executives. 

The Transformation (After):

By the time applications were submitted, Julie had a clear voice across every part of her application. Her teachers wrote recommendations that reinforced her leadership and dedication to nonprofit work. Her essays stood out for their originality and conviction, showing not just her ability to succeed in business, but her motivation to use those skills for community impact.

Outcome: 

Julie was admitted to Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and also received offers from Cornell University, Duke University, and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Why This Matters:
Even the most accomplished students need a unifying theme. When scattered achievements transform into a story rooted in purpose, admissions officers see not just a résumé  but a future leader. For families, this means understanding that it’s not about “adding more” but about connecting the dots. When the story clicks, the applications do too.