Application Consulting Packages

Overview

TheCOM’s mission is to provide coaching and training that results in real skill development. What does this mean for you? It means that participating in any of our programs will result in real, tangible evidence that you can use to show your skill proficiency.

That said, the best way to develop any skill is in the context of doing it! When it comes to communication, there are MANY applications (pun not intended!). Writing an effective application to secure a spot at the school of your choice is only one of them, but it is critical. The goal of our Application Consulting program is to help you learn key strategies toward developing the skill of being an effective communicator. This will not only help you meet your immediate goal of writing a stand-out application, but will also provide you with communication tools that will serve you in the next phases of your education and beyond.

Because this is our goal, we do not offer simple proofreading and/or editing services. This is something you can probably get free of charge from your college or university’s writing center (and we highly recommend that you do!) Instead, no matter which package you choose, we will begin with a conversation to discuss writing strategies and provide you with resources to get started. All packages also include one rough draft review and a final draft review of your Personal Statement with suggestions and content-related edits. (See details below.)

Have a group of friends who are all working on applications? Because TheCOM is all about learning in the context of community, we also offer group sessions.  This is a great option that provides a supportive community environment for tackling a stressful task. (See details below.) 

NOTE: While the writing strategies we will discuss can be applied to writing all of your application materials, the review and editing provided is specifically for your personal statement. If you want specific feedback on other application components in addition to your personal statement, please mention that when you first contact Bethany.

When considering the package options, know that upgrading to a package that provides more video call time is a penalty-free option, provided Bethany has time in her schedule to accommodate it. Just email her (BHuot@TheCOMonline.net) and ask! 

Basic Package

Package cost: $75.00 USD

Strategy video call – Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where and how to start. The “Strategy video call” is designed to get you off to a strong start. To help you get the most out of this conversation, you will be provided with some resources and materials to complete and send back to Bethany prior to the call. During the call, we will discuss you (your past/current experiences and your career goals), the content you will need for writing an effective personal statement, and strategies for writing a first draft.

Draft review & suggestions – Once you have a solid draft, you will send it to Bethany for review. This review is focused on content only and will provide you with specific feedback on both the strengths and areas for improvement. If, after receiving the feedback at this stage, you feel you need more discussion, contact Bethany to see if you can upgrade your package!

Final review with edits – As the final review, this will include an assessment of content, clarity and flow, and some light editing. (For help with major editing/proofreading, please consult the resources at your college or university.) 

Plus Package

Package cost: $125.00 USD

The “Plus” package includes everything in the “Basic” package plus a 1 hr “Q&A video call,” which comes anytime after the Draft review and before the Final review.

Q&A video call – Once you have reviewed the written comments on your rough draft, you will schedule another video call with Bethany. This call, which is up to 1 hour, is designed to provide you with additional support in applying the comments to improving your personal statement. To get the most out of this time, it is best to prepare specific questions or issues you would like Bethany to address during the call. 

Premium Package

Package cost: $200.00 USD

The “Premium” package includes everything in the “Plus” package but provides up to 3 hours of “Q&A video calls.”

Q&A video calls – Similar to the “Plus” package, once you have reviewed the written comments on your rough draft, you will schedule another video call with Bethany to discuss her feedback and how to apply the comments to improve your personal statement. However, since truly good writing is an iterative process of re-writing, the “Premium” package allows you to schedule multiple calls (up to 3 hours total) to discuss questions and work through problem areas. Again, to get the most out of this time, it is best to prepare specific questions or issues you would like Bethany to address during each call. Please note that Q&A video calls must be scheduled in 1 hr or 1.5 hr blocks.

Group Premium Package

Package cost: 20% off of the $200.00 Premium package ($160 USD) per group member 

The “Group Premium” package includes everything in the “Premium” package but provides up to 4 hours of “Q&A video calls” and a 20% discount for each group member. To ensure each group member receives adequate support, groups are capped at a maximum of 4 members. Group members are highly encouraged to work together outside of Video calls with Bethany to provide support and critical feedback on each other’s materials.  

Video calls – The group discount is based on the fact that video call time is shared. Therefore, all video calls must be scheduled so that all group members are present. It is the responsibility of each group member to confirm that their schedules are compatible for group calls prior to committing to a group package. As with an individual Premium package, video calls must be scheduled in 1 hr or 1.5 hr blocks.

Draft & Final reviews – Each member of a group will get individual written feedback on the rough and final drafts of their personal statement. 

If you are interested in working with Bethany, please email her at BHuot@TheCOMonline.net. She is happy to discuss the package options to help you identify the one that is best for you. She will also work with you to schedule video calls and reviews to meet your application deadline.