​Not your average college essay workshop

The (Un)Common Essay
Your story matters—and your college essay is your chance to show it. Figuring out how to stand out, however, without sounding forced or fake, can feel tricky.

That’s where The (Un)Common Essay comes in.

This half-day workshop is about finding your voice, owning your story, and building the skills to write your college application essay with confidence, clarity, and purpose; it is NOT about writing what you think admissions officers want to hear.  We’ll give you practical tools, insider tips on the admissions process and the support to turn your essay into something powerful and true to you.  This workshop is for US applications, as well as an overview for applying to universities in the UK.

Every participant also gets a personal follow-up Zoom session (a $250 value) to review a revised draft—so you finish not only inspired, but with a strong essay in hand, ready to support your college applications.
October 19th, 9:00-12:00, or 1:30-4:30
Mcmenamin's - The Kennedy School, NE Portland OR
$295 for half-day course & follow up

Your Voice
Your Story
Your Future

Workshop Structure

  • Arrival - settle in, get comfortable, learn the expectations and building blocks for the essay
  • Workshop - we'll provide prompts, support, and guidance to start getting your writing to flow
  • Drafting - we'll help you find the points to focus on, and how to bring your ideas to life.
  • You'll leave the workshop with valuable insights, information, confidence, and the makings of your first draft.
  • THEN - a few weeks after the course, you'll send us your draft essay, we'll review it and give notes, and then we'll have a one to one follow up session on zoom to go through it in detail. 

World class guidance,
​for a world-ready applicant

Register here,
&
Pay here!*

​Spaces are not confirmed until your form and payment have been received.

*We ask that you pay via Stripe on Coursify so we can provide you with digital resources, videos, documents etc. on that 'classroom'. If you'd rather pay by Paypal or bank transfer, or other method, please email [email protected] for more info

Meet your guides

Dr. Maggie Parke is an international education expert with nearly 20 years in college admissions, helping students navigate pathways to top universities worldwide. After earning her Ph.D. in the UK, she spent over a decade in admissions and recruitment at Bangor University, and later as Market Manager for North America with Global Wales/Study in Wales. Now an independent consultant, she advises students, universities, and organizations—including the British Council, the Fulbright Commission, and the Marshall Scholarships program—on admissions, outreach, and global engagement. Passionate about empowering students, she brings deep knowledge of applications, admissions, international systems, and a proven record of student success.
​Maggie specialises in finding real-world opportunities to realise big dreams
Amelia Pape, MBA – A strategist and storyteller who has spent her career building networks, launching initiatives, and guiding people toward big impact. Amelia has a gift for helping students dig deep, discover their voice, and write essays that feel real, clear, and compelling. Amelia co-created the Elevating Impact Summit, a nationally renowned event that draws 500 social innovators to Portland, Oregon each year. She has collaborated with the Fulbright Program, delivered keynotes throughout North America, and been featured in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Fast Company, and The Huffington Post. Amelia teaches graduate-level courses on storytelling for social innovation at Portland State University, and is an expert in finding and empowering your voice.
​
​Amelia specialises in integrating big visions and diverse objectives.
Together, Maggie and Amelia bring a mix of admissions expertise,
​storytelling know-how, and a love of working with students.

What we do

What you'll get
Demystify the college application process with guidance for both the Common App and independent applications.

Develop your interpersonal and communication skills by employing strategic storytelling tools.

Challenge you to explore your passions in human-centered design and systems thinking exercises that clarify your goals and support smart decision-making.

Discover your personal statement in a rapid prototyping
process that strengthens your professional writing skills.
Your Personal Statement.
You’ll leave with a refined and effective personal essay that you can attach to any application that communicates your unique story in a clear, professional and compelling way.
Confidence.
Students develop leadership skills to strengthen their effectiveness in interviews and written communication, and to build confidence that catalyses personal and professional growth.
Clarity.
We'll walk you through the Common App and direct application process, so you’ll emerge with a clear approach.
Momentum.
We’ll get to know you and help you get to know yourself: who you are, how your personality has strengths and aptitudes in unique areas of academia, and how to apply that to the college application process.