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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

What We Can Do in a Draft Review!

Lyn Hawks · September 29, 2020 · Leave a Comment

"The essays can be the most important components of your application."

Do you need someone to take a look at a few college application essays? Do you have a short amount of time? The Draft Review plan is for students who are strong writers and committed to revision. You might also be seeking a low-cost, high-engagement, short-term editorial … [Read more...] about What We Can Do in a Draft Review!

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

“You can’t write about that.” Actually, you can.

Lyn Hawks · September 22, 2020 · Leave a Comment

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

Students and parents come to me with big worries started by well-meaning comments from various experts. Students and parents are worried that the topic they've chosen for an important college essay is somehow boring, typical, or wrong. Here's what they've heard: "Don't … [Read more...] about “You can’t write about that.” Actually, you can.

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

What’s Different About Success Story?

Lyn Hawks · August 30, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Encouragement Is Key When I see a certain skill strength, we capitalize on that, and we note that this skill set works. I know how essential encouragement is. I learned this from years of coaching high school students, years of receiving feedback from literary agents, … [Read more...] about What’s Different About Success Story?

Filed Under: Essay Coaching, Writing Tips Tagged With: college admissions, college application, college essay, college essay tutor, 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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