The Ultimate Guide to Craft Your Story • 2022-2023 Edition

Online Course & Digital Workbook to Write EVERY TYPE of College Essay

Dyllen Nellis College Essay Course "The Ultimate Guide to Craft Your Story"
Enroll Now!

When you purchase this course, you also provide one to a first-generation, low-income student!
You will receive a thank you email with the first name of the FGLI student you helped.

Winner of the OZY Genius Award • Sponsored by Chevrolet

"The Ultimate Guide to Craft Your Story" is 1 of 10 projects chosen out of thousands of applicants to receive funding and mentorship from industry experts.

A strategic step-by-step process to convey your personal values,
experiences, and potential to stand out in admissions!

See what results my students are getting...

"Through this course, I got into schools that I would never have fathomed getting into - schools with below 5% acceptance rates. It has truly been a dream come true."

"I loved how organized this entire course is and how easy it makes it for students to craft meaningful essays while also being authentic and truthful to who they are. This course allowed me to learn a lot about myself, and in turn, teach those reading my essays who I am as well."
Maggie – University of Pittsburgh
California

"The writing tips paid off as I was able to get into a school I didn't expect to get into (USC) which increased my self-confidence."

"I loved this course! I felt like my thoughts were scattered all over the place, with online advice scattered everywhere. But the Ultimate Guide to Craft Your Story turned my college application process into something more than just a stressful situation. Top-notch essay examples, essay structures, and space to begin creating were found all in one guidebook! I am proud of the learning experience I got from all this. May positivity and inspiration forever exist!"
Karla – University of Southern California
California

"I am so grateful for your program and all your advice that helped me get into all 6 schools that I applied to!"

"I absolutely loved your course! I was so worried about the application process because I had no idea how to write a college essay, and then enrolled in your course and it helped so much and made organizing and brainstorming essays so easy. I loved your words of encouragement and humor throughout the course and it felt really personal."
Jolie – Texas A&M
Texas

Does this sound familiar?

• I know I need to get started on my college apps, but I have no idea HOW.
• I’m feeling very nervous and stressed.
• I’m sick of writing poor essay drafts and starting over and over again.
• My thoughts are scattered and I don’t know how to organize them.
• Every essay topic I think of seems cliché. I don’t know how to stand out!
• I don’t think I have any interesting life experiences to write about.
• I want to write about a significant challenge I experienced, but I don’t want it to be a “sob story” that seeks pity.
• I need help showcasing my personality in my writing and communicating my story in a creative way!

I was just like you.

• When I applied to college in 2018, I had big dreams of getting into top-ranked colleges, but I had no plan or guidance on how to get there.
• I wasted a LOT of time rewriting countless essay drafts and scrambling to learn college essay strategy all on my own.
• And as a result… I was incredibly stressed throughout the process.
BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE.

So what did I do?
• I sought out numerous articles, books, and videos to educate myself on the ins and outs of the college application process. And I have continued researching college essay strategies ever since.
• I made an organized game plan and implemented time-saving strategies to stay on track.
• My work paid off! I was accepted into every school I applied to including Stanford, USC, UCLA, UCSD, NYU, and more.
• But most importantly, I experienced an incredible journey of self-discovery. I became more grounded in my values and identity than ever before. In this course, I will help you do the same.
Dyllen Nellis Stanford

Dyllen Nellis back in 2019!

Don't make the same mistakes.

College essay strategy is not taught in most high schools, yet it can literally make or break an application.
The number one mistake students make is they start writing their essays before learning the necessary strategy.
Without strategy, you'll be stuck in a time-wasting cycle of scrapping & restarting poor essay drafts!
This will only make you more stressed.
With our process, you will learn specific strategies to effectively convey your values, experiences, and potential to colleges. Not only will you maximize your chances of acceptance, but you will also unlock a stronger understanding of yourself.

There IS a way to complete your college applications without the excess stress.

There IS a way for the college application process to be easy and fun.

There IS a way to submit your essays with confidence and pride.

The Ultimate Guide to Craft Your Story is your bridge to success.

It's as easy as...

Discover Your Story - Brainstorming

  • Why Most Students Write Mediocre College Essays (And What YOU Are Going to Do Differently)
  • The Stand-Out Qualities Colleges Look For in Students
  • Research-Proven Organization & Time Management Strategies
  • 4 Brainstorming Exercises
  • Essay Topic FAQs: Cliché Topics, Sob Stories, Application Theme, and More!

Craft Your Story - Structuring

  • How to Choose Your Best Topic
  • How to Define Your Essay's Theme
  • The Two Main Essay Structures for Every Type of College Essay
  • Every Storytelling Component For a Stand-Out Essay
  • How to Create a Complete Outline For Your Essays (You can kiss writer's block goodbye!)

Write Your Story - Drafting & Revising

  • Drafting Strategies to Best Optimize Your Time
  • How to Start and End Your Essay
  • How to Use a Metaphor to Make Your Essay Shine
  • Every Mistake & Overused Phrase I've Identified From Editing THOUSANDS of Essays
  • Actionable Strategies to Make Your Essay 10x Better
  • How to Cut Down Words
  • How to Repurpose Your Essays For Multiple Applications
  • Common App vs UC PIQ Writing Strategy
  • Full Guide to Writing the "Why Us" Supplemental College Essay
  • How to Strategically Take Notes While Researching Colleges
  • And Transform Your Notes Into the Outline of Your "Why Us" Essay
  • Stop Falling Into Clichés & Learn How to STAND OUT.

And it doesn't stop there!

  • 26 Successful College Essay Examples by Students From Top-Ranked Universities
    (Analyzed & Color-Coded to Break Down the Structure!)
  • 8 Common App Essays
  • 7 UC PIQs
  • 6 Why Us Essays
  • 5 Supplemental Essays
  • Digital Workbook on Google Docs to Map Out Your Ideas
  • How to Make Your Activities & Awards List Pop!
  • 2+ Hours of Original Video Content
  • 3 Student Success Stories

1 FREE ESSAY EDIT!

My team of essay editors at top-ranked universities will edit 1 of your essays any size under 800 words.

We will add comments and suggestions to improve essay structure, sentence phrasing, clarity, cohesion, grammar, flow, and storytelling. At the bottom of the document, we will write a detailed paragraph of overall feedback: what you did well and how you can improve!
Meet the Editors

See what other students are saying...

The course helped me so much throughout my college application process. It really allowed me to add structure to the process and identify what I needed to work on. The workbook was amazing at helping me organize my ideas and evaluate what I truly wanted to convey in my essays. The videos and curriculum integrated into the course really helped me tell my story and be proud of my writing. It was definitely worth it! I would recommend it!

Uriel – USC Presidential Scholar Washington

This course was a lifesaver during college apps. It was incredibly helpful in providing examples of successful essays from students who got into a lot of the schools I applied to. Every example was analyzed line by line which made it easier for me to view my own essay objectively while writing and editing (Dyllen is also a great editor)! Another helpful thing is the list of overused phrases. Hearing from someone who has read a ton of essays tell you what won't stand out was SO HELPFUL and I definitely caught myself trying to use some of those phrases. This course is helpful no matter what step of the essay writing process you're on and helped relieve a lot of stress for me!

Ellie – UT Austin Texas

Dyllen!!! I just want to say you have been BY FAR the MOST helpful resource I've gotten throughout this college process. Like you, I didn't come from a family with money to pay for a college counselor, and I've spent months and months researching on my own. I was at the tail end of submitting my applications when I discovered your course and it has helped me really dig into my values to create essays that speak to me. I am 100% recommending your course to my younger sister who has a few years before she starts this process. So much love for you girl <3

Jessica

    I liked how relatable this course was, being able to see that Dyllen had the same writing struggles I had gave me more reassurance. This course provided many essay examples that were highlighted and broken down, it taught me how to effectively write a compelling story, or as Dyllen calls it “a window into our complex lives”. Also, I appreciate that she goes above and beyond to make taking this course as equitable as possible for more students through scholarships, YouTube videos, and free introductory sessions. I hope more school districts can provide this amazing course to build more confidence in students’ story writing abilities as it did for me.

    Malia – Western Washington University Washington

    This course was like taking a bubble bath when there's a zombie apocalypse outside your door. The college application process was super stressful and scary, but Dyllen made it easy to step back and get to the root of my problems. If you're unsure about what stories to write about, she made it easy to pinpoint the most interesting (or most boring) things about you and make them relevant to your character and write wonderful essays. Her course was super helpful because she identified specific things people did to make their essays impactful and impressive and made it easy to apply those methods to your own work. Dyllen broke down the structure and made it a more collaborative and individualized experience, making it easier to figure out what to write about. I have friends starting the application process, and
    I'm recommending (aggressively pushing) this course to them.

    Julie – Columbia University New York

      The Ultimate Guide to Craft Your Story

      When you purchase this course, you also provide one to a first-generation, low-income student!
      You will receive a thank you email with the first name of the FGLI student you helped.

      Enroll Now for $297

      What Makes This Course Unique?

      This course has been carefully designed to
      best utilize your time, prevent stress, and set you up for success.

      Process matters.

      Don't waste your time sifting through hundreds of pages of information from books and blogs- I've already done all the heavy lifting! This course organizes the most essential information from years of research into a step-by-step, comprehensive guide.

      This is the BEST college essay resource I offer.

      Unlike my YouTube videos, the content in this course is much richer. For every strategy I teach, I explain why you should do it, how it will impact admissions officers, and the consequences of not doing it. You will learn HOW to achieve each strategy with actionable steps and specific examples.

      This isn't just a college essay guide, it's a journey toward self-discovery.

      In order for admissions officers to recognize your personal values, you need to identify them for yourself. The course includes brainstorming & structuring exercises to help you analyze your experiences, identity, and emotions.
      You won’t find these anywhere else.

      You will strategically structure your college essay.

      With my college essay outlines, your essay will include all the necessary storytelling components while maintaining flexibility and room for creativity. Most successful essays follow these structures, whether they intend to or not!

      Noise on the internet can be anxiety-provoking.

      This course is designed with empathy. It includes exercises and advice to boost your motivation, support your well-being, and foster a growth mindset. Stop comparing yourself to others and focus on building YOUR best application!

      Meet Your College Essay Coach

      Hello, I'm Dyllen Nellis!
      I am a college essay expert and undergraduate at Stanford University, here to help YOU get accepted by your dream colleges.

      This course is a strategic, simplified, and structured method that will lead you through each step of writing a college essay from ideation to completion. My system places emphasis on the necessary pre-production work that will save time by ensuring that your essay is well-organized and reflects your personal essence.
      You will learn specific strategies to effectively convey your values, experiences, and potential to colleges. Not only will you maximize your chances of acceptance, but you will also unlock a stronger understanding of yourself.
      Dyllen's College Essay Advice
      Meet With Me 1 on 1
      Through this online course and digital workbook, I intend to relieve the stress that often comes with college essays and incite confidence and determination toward this effective, hands-on approach.

      The course curriculum combines the knowledge of...

      • Admissions officers & top college consultants.
      • Everything I’ve learned from working with THOUSANDS of successful students across the world!
      • Writing and storytelling strategies I developed through my coursework at Stanford University.
      • My recent personal experience applying to college.
      • User feedback from previous students who took this course.
        Originally launched in 2020, this course continues to improve every year!
      Dyllen Nellis College Essay Course "The Ultimate Guide to Craft Your Story"

      Designed For Gen Z, By Gen Z

      We learn by doing

      →

      Interactive workbook to map out your own ideas.

      We have shorter attention spans

      →

      Consolidated content, easy to digest.

      We're breaking the mental health stigma

      →

      Exercises to improve mental health & spur personal growth.

      We thrive off positive vibes

      →

      Words of encouragement, fun GIFs, & a splash of humor.

      The Ultimate Guide to Craft Your Story

      When you purchase this course, you also provide one to a first-generation, low-income student!
      You will receive a thank you email with the first name of the FGLI student you helped.

      Enroll Now for $297

      Here's What Will Happen Once You Click "Enroll Now"

      1. You'll enter your log in and payment information.
      2. Look for a confirmation email with a link to the course platform where you can immediately begin learning.
      3. Look for an email invitation to access your digital workbook on Google Docs!

      You will need a Google account to access the digital workbook.
      Access to the course will last for 2 years.
      Due to the digital nature of this course and workbook, all sales are final. There are no refunds available.

      FAQs

      This course is asynchronous, meaning you have access to ALL the content for up to 2 years, and you can work at your own pace, on your own time! It is also meant to guide you through the ENTIRE essay writing process for ALL essays, so the timing may vary depending on your schedule and the number of essays you need to write. To go through the course and craft 1 essay from brainstorm to final draft, it generally takes around 3-4 weeks. 

      ONE essay edit is included in the course starting Aug 12, 2022! For additional essay edits, visit https://collegeessayadvice.com/editing for more info 🙂

      Apart from this course, I offer college application consulting as a separate service! If you would like to meet with me, Dyllen Nellis, live over Zoom, you can find more info here!

      A BIG thank you for creating this course. It has helped me become more comfortable with sitting myself down and learning more about myself. I feel more connected and in-tune with myself now that I have completed the admissions process. The "things I feel vulnerable about" part honestly brought me to tears. It’s helping me become more comfortable with facing things that I otherwise buried deep. VERY thorough instructions and doesn't feel like work when solving the workbook. Thank you Dyllen!

      Sumaiya Bangladesh

      This course was a huge lifesaver that made me excited to work on my application! It has allowed me to have fun and be creative during a time that tends to be filled with stress over college applications. Every lecture you have written out was super helpful and constructive. It was worth the money. Thank you 🙂

      Raisa – UC Berkeley California

      College applications are difficult, especially when you have no one to guide you through the process and lack exposure to information. But Dyllen's course against all odds helped me to create a tangible essay draft; not just one essay, but all of my college essays. Essays that spoke my mind and soul. Essays that I would never dare to write without her help. Dyllen, I am so grateful you are helping many disadvantaged and less fortunate high school students like me in many countries. Your work is a true masterpiece.

      Samrawit Ethiopia

        Honestly, I absolutely LOVED IT!!! It was extremely helpful in helping me organize my college list and most definitely helped me figure out which values and qualities I wanted to highlight in my essays.
        It was also really colorful and aesthetically pleasing.

        Khushi Jamaica

        It was a one-stop shop, which was much easier rather than miscellaneous TikToks, Youtube videos, and books. It helped me start and give me some inspiration. It also helped me learn how to revise my own work.

        Catherine – University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan

          Scholarships for First-Gen Low-Income Students

          Are you a first-generation / low-income student?
          Apply to receive this college essay course for free.

          Become a Donor

          Organizations & Foundations:
          I would love to work with you to help underserved students achieve their dreams of higher education!
          You can purchase my college essay course in bulk for a discounted price to either provide for your students or FGLI students I connect with around the world. If this is of interest to you, contact me through the button below!

          Let's Collaborate

          As a low-income and international student, I struggled with all the application and essay writing process since day one. I was not used to talking about myself through words and I didn't know if my story was impactful, nor if it was worth sharing. But being a recipient of a scholarship to enroll in this course was extremely helpful. I learned to brainstorm, choose my topics strategically, construct my ideas, analyze the impact on me and others, and create an essay that portraits my voice. Dyllen was amazing by giving free resources and creating this course. I appreciate all the time invested in this huge project and hopefully, it will continue to grow to help other students as it helped me.

          Marcela – Wellesley College Peru