Category Archives: writing partner

Think like an anthropologist

When I coach students through the process of writing their admission essays, my training as an anthropologist comes through in two ways.  First, anthropologists like to “dig” much like our archeologist colleagues.  It’s important to dig or delve deeply into a person’s character or the events and symbols that make their lives meaningful.  Any time that you can dig deeply into these aspects of your life, you will create a stronger foundation for your essay.  If you have trouble digging this way, and asking probing (sometimes uncomfortable) questions of yourself, work with a partner or reach out to a coach (you can contact me through the links here at youradmissionessay.com).


As well, the personal statement benefits from the kind of writing that anthropologists do.  Anthropologists often seize upon small details to create a vivid picture of social life.  They then place those pictures into a wider context to show what’s relevant about  the phenomenon or process under examination.  Likewise, strong personal statements ask you to create a vivid impression of yourself using a narrative of some sort.  Ideally, you’ll reflect on that narrative in some way to show a wider understanding of the significance: whether it’s what you learned from an experience or how you plan to put your experiences into practice as you embark on your career.


So, when you approach your essay, think and write like an anthropologist.  If you need a hand, keep in touch!


-Dr. Kirschner

Talking through your writing

I recently had the privilege of coaching two colleagues who are writing their dissertations.  Both of these scholars had a strong sense of the direction of their projects, how they were evolving etc.  They seemed to both benefit from talking through their work to an interested listener -a non-expert who could ask clarifying questions.  While my questions may have pushed their thinking a bit, I think that the broader contribution of listening and asking questions comes from just creating a space in which a writer can talk about her work and sit in the “expert’s seat.”


When you find yourself in the midst of a writing project, great or small, consider finding a partner with whom you can bounce ideas.  Or you can always drop me an email.


Happy Writing!

-Dr. Kirschner