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Essay Coaching

Create, Verify, Edit: 3 College Essay Skills I Teach

Lyn Hawks · January 15, 2023 · Leave a Comment

In this age of AI, colleagues and I discuss what it truly means to be a human creator. Whether artist or professor, novelist or teacher, or all of the above, wise people I know are ruminating on this topic. When it comes to the college essay, I teach students takeaway skills … [Read more...] about Create, Verify, Edit: 3 College Essay Skills I Teach

Filed Under: Essay Coaching

Is It Plagiarism to Use ChatGPT for my College Essay?

Lyn Hawks · January 9, 2023 · Leave a Comment

The authentic self is the soul made visible. - Sarah Ban Breathnach

Yes. Using ChatGPT is plagiarism. Success Story essay consulting does not endorse your use of ChatGPT at this time to write your college essay. [This post will be updated as K-12 schools and universities adjust to the new reality. More on my initial thoughts on the release of … [Read more...] about Is It Plagiarism to Use ChatGPT for my College Essay?

Filed Under: Essay Coaching, Writing Tips

Me and the Machine: How Will We Make This Work?

Lyn Hawks · January 9, 2023 · Leave a Comment

The authentic self is the soul made visible. - Sarah Ban Breathnach

Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and it doesn't matter at all. We toil alone, and we are accompanied by spirits. We are terrified, and we are brave. - Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic Liz Gilbert set me straight this morning. I … [Read more...] about Me and the Machine: How Will We Make This Work?

Filed Under: Essay Coaching Tagged With: AI, art, college essay, ethics, writing tips

What ChatGPT means for us non-machines

Lyn Hawks · December 26, 2022 · Leave a Comment

The authentic self is the soul made visible. - Sarah Ban Breathnach

I'm writing this for all the exhausted educators out there who needed ChatGPT's release like they need a burst pipe or an icy road. I write this for teachers wondering whether essay prompts they've worked hard to design--are designing right now on their holiday break--have a … [Read more...] about What ChatGPT means for us non-machines

Filed Under: Essay Coaching Tagged With: AI, ChatGPT, college essay, college essay writing strategies, essay writing, writing prompts

Follow Your Heart in the College Essay

Lyn Hawks · December 8, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Dorothy's ruby slippers, Wizard of Oz memorabilia

If ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own backyard... - Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz The college essay has more in common with The Wizard of Oz than the traditional academic essay. That's because a great personal statement is … [Read more...] about Follow Your Heart in the College Essay

Filed Under: Essay Coaching Tagged With: college admissions, college application, college essay, college essay tutor, college essay writing strategies, creativity, essay writing, hook

What Dads Can Teach Us About the College Essay

Lyn Hawks · August 30, 2022 · Leave a Comment

This is my wonderful dad, Steve Fairchild. He is 81. He is energy, curiosity, and exploration incarnate. So he loves the full-coverage Australian walking hat my sister got him for Father's Day. It's a key accessory for his daily strides around the neighborhood. My dad … [Read more...] about What Dads Can Teach Us About the College Essay

Filed Under: Essay Coaching Tagged With: college admissions, college application, college essay, college essay tutor, college essay writing strategies, essay writing

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About Lyn Hawks,owner of Success Story

LynAs a Stanford graduate, as an experienced English teacher who has coached students from competitive public and private schools with their essays, as an expert in gifted education, and as an award-winning young adult fiction author, I know what stories get the attention of universities. I help talented students use powerful storytelling strategies to share their accomplishments, personality, and character to colleges. [READ MORE...]

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Testimonials from Clients

“Mrs. Hawks' coaching highlights the individual story and encourages applicants to be authentic in their essays.”
—Rachel, Elon University


“Lyn offers rich wisdom and honesty. After working with her on my essays, I gained a greater sense of self and belief in my capabilities. Lyn was an integral part of my admission to college.”
—Henry, DePaul University graduate


"Lyn did an amazing job helping my daughter choose the best prompts that drew out her true self. Lyn was so encouraging and knew how to inspire my 17-year-old."
—Amy, parent

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