Love For Lauren

"Very happy to have worked with Vince on my GRE prep and Lauren on my personal essay writing. Both were integral to my success in getting accepted to my ideal grad school. Vince had a very straightforward and understandable approach toward taking the test which helped remove the test anxiety I definitely would have otherwise felt. I knew exactly what was coming weeks before I sat down to take it and managed to score about 10-15 points higher than I would have without his help. Lauren was equally helpful in editing my essay - both on the finer details as well as big picture ideas and concepts. I wholeheartedly believe their assistance throughout the GRE and grad school application process is what pushed me over the edge and got me accepted into my ideal program at my ideal school. 5 stars, no question."

- Clifford Grant (see review on Google Maps)

"I worked with Lauren Hammond on my personal statement and she was amazing!! I spent a couple months working with her and it was one of the best decisions that I feel elevated my grad school applications. I came into the first meeting with a draft essay that was basically my resume and was all over the place. Lauren helped me nail down my story and what I am passionate about. I ended up writing an amazing personal statement with great feedback from Lauren that I felt really showed readers who I am. She was super flexible with the times we met and I ended up getting into my TOP choice schools (Johns Hopkins, Brown, etc). I would definitely work with her again!"

- Aster M. (see review on Google Maps)

"I had about 6 sessions with Lauren Hammond to go over my personal statements for PhD/PsyD Clinical Psychology applications. I had different goals for each of my statements (e.g., trim, content development, brainstorm ideas), and she tailored each session to meet my needs. An hour might seem short, but she was very productive and sometimes went over two short statements in one session. She was also available via text for any brief questions or concerns. I am very happy with her service and recommend it to anyone who wants to craft a stand-out personal statement. I thought my writing skills were already good, but the final product, including her revisions, turned out even better than I expected."

- Fiona Wang (see review on Google Maps)

"Lauren Hammond was so incredibly helpful with my personal statements for grad school. I really needed help with organization, staying focused on a coherent narrative and content-building, which she was phenomenal with. She's also a really sweet person and a pleasure to work with! Can't recommend her enough."

- Mira Park (see review on Google Maps)

"As I was applying to PhD programs, I was struggling to write my personal statements. I searched online for hours to try and find something or someone that looked worth spending the money on and I came across Lauren Hammond at Vince Kotchian Test Prep. I was only planning on doing maybe one session to help get me started but Lauren was SO good that I continued working with her for weeks. She gave such valuable feedback and felt like she truly cared about making my work the best it can be. I even recommended her to my other colleagues who were applying to grad school and they felt the same way. I currently have 3 interviews for grad school and I couldn't have gotten those without her help!"

- Mikayla Haas (see review on Google Maps)

"Lauren Hammond was amazing. She provided me with thoughtful feedback that structured and strengthened my graduate school application essays. She was great at asking questions to push me to be a better writer. You can tell she genuinely cares about her students and wants to see you succeed. Additionally she is flexible in scheduling and will make deadlines work with your timeline. I was accepted into my top school choice and appreciate Lauren for her help in the process. If you or someone you know is looking for an essay tutor for graduate applications, Lauren is definitely the best!"

- Renee Begin (see review on Google Maps)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I spend writing my MFT personal statement?

We generally recommend about 4-8 weeks - 6 weeks is a good sweet spot. It takes time to come up with ideas and get those ideas onto paper in a compelling form.

Where can I find some good examples of personal statements?

Other than Google, I really like the sample admissions essays in Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher. If you're a DIY kind of person, Asher's advice for the entire graduate admissions process is very good.

Note: The above links are Amazon affiliate links and I earn a commission if you purchase things through them. However, any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you, and you pay nothing extra. My recommendation is based on extensive experience using this book's advice with dozens of people over the years, and I recommend it because it's helpful and useful, not because of the small commission I receive if you choose to buy it.

How can I make my personal statement stand out?

MOST personal statements are BORING! Not because the person writing them is boring, but perhaps because:

1. Their focus is too broad. They try to cover everything they've done, and nothing ends up standing out.
2. They're impersonal. It's a personal statement - the reader needs to get a sense of who you are and what you're actually like - not some sanitized "professional" version of you.
3. They're too safe. Ironically, a statement that takes no risks can be the riskiest thing you can do. We're not applying to a program with the intent of blending in with all the other applicants!

Granted, the above things can be overdone, or done wrong. But most statements make no impact, so it's worth thinking about how yours actually can.

For more personal statement tips, check out Vince's video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement.

What are the basics of applying to an MFT program?

Applying to Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs is somewhat like assembling a complex puzzle — it takes insight, patience, and a clear understanding of the bigger picture. Candidates start by figuring out their motivations for pursuing this career path and identifying programs that resonate with their goals and values.

Academically, the journey often begins with a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. While specific course requirements can vary, a solid foundation in psychology and human development is essential. For many programs, grades matter, but they're just one piece of the puzzle.

Then there's the entrance exam part, usually the GRE. It's not always required, but when it is, doing well can bolster an application. This means diving into study materials or perhaps enrolling in prep courses to brush up on verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and analytical writing.

But MFT programs are about more than just academics. They're looking for empathetic, insightful individuals who can handle the emotional complexities of therapy work. This is where relevant experience counts. Volunteering, internships, or work in fields like counseling, social work, or even education can demonstrate commitment and aptitude.

Application essays and recommendation letters are where personality and potential shine through. Essays are an opportunity to share personal stories, professional experiences, and insights into why family therapy matters. Choosing recommenders who know you well and can speak to your suitability for this field is crucial.

Interviews, if required, are a chance to show genuine interest and interpersonal skills. Like in therapy, communication is key. Some programs might also look for a demonstrated understanding of family systems theory or relevant research interests.

Networking with professionals in the field, attending related workshops, and gaining hands-on experience can provide invaluable insights and set a candidate apart.

In summary, getting into an MFT program involves showcasing a blend of academic ability, personal insight, relevant experience, and a deep understanding of the nuances of family dynamics and therapy techniques. It's about proving you're not just academically capable, but also emotionally equipped to guide families through their challenges.