Your Story Is Your Greatest Advantage.
In a world where AI makes every essay sound the same, your authentic story is what sets you apart. Discover yours with personalized college essay coaching.
✦ Founded by a UC Berkeley Alum
We focus on the experiences and perspectives that make you unique.
We help you develop your ideas while keeping the writing authentically yours.
Get meaningful feedback on your story, structure, and clarity.
Meet Janet
Hi, I'm Janet, the founder of MyStoryDNA and a UC Berkeley graduate.
I believe your college application should tell a story that goes beyond grades, awards, and extracurricular activities.
I wasn't a perfect student in high school. My journey taught me that a transcript can never capture everything that makes someone who they are.
After graduating from UC Berkeley and building my career across engineering, data, and product management, I became even more convinced that the ability to understand and communicate your story is an incredibly valuable skill.
I created MyStoryDNA to help students discover meaningful experiences, reflect on what they've learned, and express their perspectives authentically.
Choose the support you need
Introductory Fall 2026 Pricing
For students who already have a draft.
- ✓Review of one college application essay (up to 650 words)
- ✓Feedback on storytelling and clarity
- ✓Structure and organization suggestions
- ✓Guidance on maintaining authentic voice
- ✓One round of written feedback
For students who don't know what to write about.
- ✓One 45-minute virtual session
- ✓Explore personal experiences and values
- ✓Identify meaningful essay topics
- ✓Discuss potential story directions
- ✓Leave with an actionable essay outline
For students preparing their four UC Personal Insight Questions.
- ✓One 45-minute story planning session
- ✓Strategy and topic selection for four UC PIQs
- ✓One round of written feedback on each of four drafts, up to 350 words each
- ✓Help reduce overlap between essays
- ✓Guidance on maintaining an authentic voice
For students applying through Common App to private, out-of-state, or competitive colleges.
- ✓One 45-minute story planning session
- ✓Personal statement strategy: topic, angle, and structure
- ✓One round of written feedback on the personal statement, up to 650 words
- ✓Written feedback on up to two supplemental essays, up to 350 words each
- ✓Help keeping your voice consistent across every essay
- ✓UC applicants (PIQs)
- ✓Common App & private colleges
- ✓Competitive schools (Ivy, Stanford)
- ✓Transfer & international students
Applying somewhere else, or mixing application systems? Email Janet — we'll plan around your exact list and deadlines.
Not Sure What Your Story Is Yet?
Start with our free five-minute Story DNA Test. Explore the experiences, values, and perspectives that could shape your college essay.
Discover Your Story DNA — FreeTell us how we can help
Janet will personally reply by email to confirm details, scheduling, and payment.
Common questions
Do you write college essays for students? +
No. We never write essays for students. We help you discover your story, organize your ideas, and give feedback — every word stays yours.
Can you help if I don't have an essay topic? +
Yes — that's exactly what the 1-on-1 Story Brainstorming session is for. You can also start with the free Story DNA Test.
Do you help with UC Personal Insight Questions? +
Yes. The UC PIQ Coaching Package covers topic strategy for all four PIQs plus written feedback on each draft.
Do you only work with UC applicants? +
No. The Common App Story Package covers the personal statement plus two supplemental essays, and students applying to private, out-of-state, competitive, transfer, or international programs are welcome — email us and we'll plan around your list.
What happens during a brainstorming session? +
In a 45-minute video call, we explore your experiences and values, identify meaningful topics, and you leave with an actionable outline.
How does the essay review process work? +
You share one draft (up to 650 words) and receive one round of written feedback on storytelling, clarity, structure, and voice.
Do you guarantee college admission? +
No. No one can honestly guarantee admission. Our goal is to help you present your authentic story as clearly as possible.
How quickly will I receive feedback? +
Timing depends on your deadline and current availability. We'll confirm an expected timeline with you before you start.