5 Questions for Kyra Jee

What is one thing you enjoy about coaching students through the admissions process?

I see my job as taking a weighty, often stressful series of decisions and showing students how to transform them into an opportunity to reflect on their own resilience and potential. At the end of the day, every college application essay is asking you to describe either something you’re proud of or something you’ve persevered through. I’ve found that many students are worried that they’re about to spend the next six months constantly distracted by the notion of things they can’t or won’t be able to do. And while it’s reasonable to feel this way, there are better and more productive ways to approach your college apps.

Instead, I try to guide students to take inventory of their successes; moments of struggle, insight, and gratitude; and all of the difficulties that they’ve surpassed already in their lives. What you learn about yourself throughout this process of planning and writing will matter before, during, and after admissions season. So, taking the time to remind yourself what you’re capable of, and why your values and goals matter to you, is one of the most meaningful things you can do.

What do you think students should consider when writing their personal statement?

The Activities List and your transcript account for what you’ve done; the Common App Personal Statement introduces who you are. It’s important for students to understand the difference so they know what to emphasize in their writing.

One year, I worked with a very ambitious, competitive applicant with a stellar computer science resume. She had dozens of ideas for Common App essays that would show off her research outcomes and business ventures. But the idea we pursued (the one best suited to demonstrate the vulnerability and character growth that the personal statement is looking for) was a journal-style montage that explored meaningful relationships in her life. For many competitive applicants, the resume items are already visible. The thing to focus on in the essay should be articulating who you are and what kind of person you want to be.

I also think it’s encouraging for students to realize that memorable essays are often those that don’t quite fit the standard success criteria. Just last month I met with a student who brought in two ideas: the first was formal, reserved, contemplating how art had become a meaningful part of her life. And while this idea was thoughtful, it wasn’t personal: it could have been written by anyone. As for the second, she looked at me and said, “Once I fell off a boat,” and proceeded to share, instinctively, an insightful, adventurous tale of perseverance and versatility. This student had been preoccupied with the idea of what successful essays should look like, when in reality, she portrayed her most likable and inventive self by focusing on something real.

What advice do you have for underclassmen and younger students?

Experiment! Explore! Admission readers — and employers, and friends, and most other people we meet — are interested in how you apply what you know to different areas of your life. 

I’ve met students who hyperspecialized for the sake of hyperspecializing, or who felt they should just stick to what they’re good at — but when it comes time to write the 4 UC PIQs, these students often have great difficulty finding anything else to write about. From college apps to job apps, these students are often baffled by the frequently asked question, “So, what else do you do?”

On the other hand, a great example of exploring several diverse interests was a student who steadfastly made time for his art while also pursuing increasingly advanced research in chemistry. He double-majored in chem and art history and became passionate about art restoration!

Since your education (and decision-making) won’t just stop when you get your admission results, it’s important for students to practice a work ethic, to participate in their communities, and to commit to rigorous academic activities that will benefit them while applying to college and afterward. 

What are some ways that you can help students succeed?

When students seek to understand, forge ahead, or get support with some aspect of their everyday lives — whether that involves academic rigor, college admissions, self-discipline and self-awareness, or even that ever-present question of what kind of person you want to be — I teach my students to practice their A.I.M.: to set Achievable, Insightful, Measurable goals.

Ultimately, I hope to give students and their families the resources, options, and perspective to make informed decisions with informed expectations — to always address what is immediately in front of us without ever losing sight of what is important.

In 10 words or less, what is a philosophy that you live by?

YOU CAN DO THIS. You do, however, have to try.

Kyra is providing free consultations to discuss how she can help you demystify the college prep and admissions process. Contact us at info@ilumineducation.com.