How does this work? What is the process?

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1) Application & Intake

First, interested clients must submit an application for services. Once the application is approved by Angel, the prospective client is then permitted to submit payment (or initial payment of a payment plan) and proceed with services.

2) Initial Conversation

All services begin with a 1-hour conversation (via Zoom) where I get a chance to meet you and hear more intimately about your story, career aspirations, and other elements that are necessary in crafting a unique strategy. I'll ask a ton of questions, but I'm just trying to gather all the “intel” I need to put myself in your shoes, such that I can help tell your story in an authentic way that is engaging, yet cohesive and illuminates the relevancy of your experiences to law school.

3) Strategy Outline

Angel: Based on the Initial Conversation, I create a custom outline that you will use to write a rough draft of your personal statement. The Strategy Outline includes guidance on which parts of your story to tell and where, as well as examples of storytelling tactics and how to implement them, specifically, in your personal statement. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for writing a personal statement (or other admissions document), so I find the Strategy Outline to be a very crucial step in the process.

Client: You write a rough draft based on the themeatic ordering and examples provided in the Strategy Outline.

4) Content Revision

Angel: I edit the rough draft for content. Meaning, I edit for story flow, believability, and pertinence to law school. Here is just a snapshot of what I check for during the Content Revision phase: Does your story make sense? Is it cohesive? Is there a believable connection to law/graduate school? Is it persuasive? Are the sentences too choppy, or do they flow effortlessly, thereby making the admissions reader forget that they're even reading a personal statement? Are the transitions apparent enough to signal the admissions reader that they're transitioning to the next part of your story, yet subtle enough such that the flow and momentum of the story aren't interrupted?

Client: After accepting (or rejecting) the content edits, you submit a revision for another round of editing.

5) Grammatical Edit

Angel: I edit for typos, grammatical errors, and syntax (i.e., sentence structure and variation).

Client: After accepting (or rejecting) the grammatical edits, you submit the final version.

6) Final Review

Angel: I complete a final review of the product, checking for cohesiveness, flow, typos, and essentially, a well-polished product.

Client: After accepting (or rejecting) any additional suggestions, you now have a final product ready for submission.

If the client has purchased a package or combination deal, then the process begins anew (starting with the Initial Conversation) for each document. For instance, a client who purchases the Law School Application Package will move through the following process:

Personal Statement: Initial Conversation -> Strategy Outline-> Content Edit -> Grammatical Edit -> Final Review

Diversity Statement: Conversation -> Strategy Outline -> Content Edit -> Grammatical Edit -> Final Review

Resume: Conversation -> Strategy Outline -> Content Edit -> Grammatical Edit

-> Final Review

Addendum: Conversation ->Strategy Outline -> Content Edit -> Grammatical Edit -> Final Review

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What is the $150 refundable deposit for? How do I make sure it is refunded?

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$25 will be deducted from the refundable deposit for:

• No-Shows - If you are not able to attend a Zoom Conversation, please cancel the meeting using the link in the confirmation email you were sent when you scheduled the meeting. You must cancel no later than 24 hours in advance of your scheduled meeting. (To be clear: If your appointment is at 11am ET Thursday, you must notify us no later than 11am ET Wednesday.) Otherwise, $25 will be deducted from your refundable deposit.

• Late Submissions - We will set deadlines by when you should submit the rough draft and subsequent revisions. We will set this deadline together, based on when you are realistically able to complete the work. However, if the rough draft or revision is not uploaded on time, $25 will be deducted from your deposit amount. However, the fee does not apply if you submit a written notification within 24 hours in advance that your draft or revision will be late AND a new submission date. This policy is necessary to ensure that clients are serviced in a timely manner that is fair to others awaiting services.

• Word Count Excess
  • The maximum word count for a personal statement is 1,500 words. You will be charged $25 for every 50 words above the word count, beginning at word 1,501.
    • As a frame of reference, a 2-page personal statement, 11-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced is approximately 800 words. A 3-page personal statement is approximately 1,200 words.
  • The maximum word count for a diversity statement is 550 words. You will be charged $25 for every 50 words above the word count, beginning at word 551.
    • A 1.5-page diversity statement, 11-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced is approximately 515 words.

If you are never a "no show," submit your rough draft(s) and revision(s) on time, and do not submit draft(s) and revision(s) in excess of the word count maximum, you will be refunded $150 at the conclusion of services, or once the payment plan is paid in full, whichever occurs later. Otherwise, you will be refunded $150 less any fees for no-shows, late submissions, or word count excesses at the conclusion of services, or once the payment plan has been paid in full, whichever occurs later.

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What is the turnaround time? How long will the process take?

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Each document goes through the process of Initial Conversation --> Custom Strategy Outline --> Content Revision --> Grammatical Edit --> Final Review.

• Intake, payment, and scheduling initial conversation - Once you apply for a service, please allow 2-3 business days for paperwork, payment, and scheduling.
• Initial Conversation - After the Initial Conversation, please allow 2-3 business days before you receive your Strategy Outline. Once you receive the Strategy Outline, you will then write and submit a rough draft.
• Content Revision - after you submit your rough draft, please allow 2-3 business days before you receive your Content Revision edits. You will then revise the rough draft based on the suggestions I provided in the Content Revision edits.
• Grammatical Edit - After you submit your revised draft, please allow 2-3 business days before you receive Grammatical Edits.
• Final Review – After you submit the revision after the grammatical edit, please allow at least 2-3 business days before you receive final feedback.

Accounting for both consultant and client turn-around time, it usually takes 12-16 business days before the client has a complete, final product that is ready for submission to law school. For combination deals and packages, please add to the time frame to account for each new document. Example:

Personal Statement + Diversity Statement = (2 documents) = 15-18 business days

T14 Package (Personal Statement, Diversity Statement, Resume, Addendum, Letters of Recommendation Strategy, and Mock Interview) = 20-32 business days

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But I'm in a hurry. Can I get my edits rushed?

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I completely understand the time-sensitivity of law school applications. However, I must also service clients fairly, based on when they initiated services. September - December tend to be "peak season" for law school applications. That said, if your document(s) must be submitted to the academic institution within 10 business days from the date that you submit payment and signed contract to Harvard and Hardship LLC, or if you simply wish to move up in the queue with priority attention, the following Expedited Services are available:

$200 - two documents or less that need to be completed within 10 business days from the date client submits payment and signed contract

$400 - three documents or more that need to be completed within 10 business days from the date client submits payment and signed contract

If you purchase an Expedited Service, we will complete your application document(s) in 1/2 the time (perhaps less), provided you submit the rough drafts and revisions quickly, as well. For instance, in the past a client (who purchased the Expedited Service) and I were able to complete a Law School Application Package (Personal Statement + Diversity Statement + Resume + Addendum) in 10 business days. However, the client was also very timely with quick turn-arounds in submitting their rough drafts and revisions.

Payment for expediting must be submitted in addition to the payment (or initial payment of a payment plan) for the consulting service BEFORE the Initial Conversation. To have your documents expedited, please add the appropriate expedited service to your cart at checkout.

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Do you help with personal statements to other graduate school programs?

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Yes. I have also helped clients apply to the following programs: Public Policy/Public Administration (MPP/MPA), Masters of Business Administration (MBA), and Accelerated Nursing (BSN).

Applicants to other graduate schools other than law school follow the same consulting process as law school applicants (i.e., Initial Conversation --> Strategy Outline --> Content Revision --> Grammatical Edit --> Final Review), but the storyline is focused on the pertinent graduate school. Meaning, we will focus on illuminating how your background and experience are relevant to the program to which you are seeking admission. As with the law school personal statement, it is important to tell your story in a humanistic, engaging manner. Nevertheless, it is still of utmost importance to ensure that your story is believable, the syntax flows effortlessly, and the transitions are smooth.

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If I use Harvard and Hardship LLC, I'll get into my dream school, right?

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Maybe. Harvard and Hardship LLC is not affiliated with Harvard University, Harvard Law School, the Ivy League, or any other private or public college or university. We make no guarantees or promises, neither explicit nor implied, that clients will be granted admission to any school. In fact, we encourage clients to apply to a variety of schools, dream schools included. However, we specialize in crafting admissions strategies that help clients present themselves in a compelling and authentic way to college and law school admissions offices.

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Can't Angel just write my personal statement or admissions essay for me?

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This is a collaborative process. I will hold your hand by providing:

• detailed suggestions and examples of what aspects of your life to share and how to share them in a cohesive manner,
• strategy on how to seamlessly make the "why law school" (or "why X graduate program") connection, and
• cues on where and how to engage the admissions reader using storytelling techniques, and expert advice on grammar, sentence structure, and variation.

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What is your refund policy?

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You may request a refund up until the Initial Conversation begins. Refund requests will not be honored after the Initial Conversation.

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How soon can I get started?

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Now! To get started with your law school application:

1) Submit an application for service.

2) Once your application is approved, you will be sent a link to Checkout.

3) After you submit payment and complete necessary paperwork, you will have access to Angel's schedule to set up an Initial Conversation and get started!

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What is a Strategy Outline?

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The Strategy Outline is the custom outline you will follow as you write the rough draft of your personal statement (or diversity statement, addendum, etc.). It includes guidance on which parts of your story to tell and where, as well as specific examples of which storytelling techniques would work best for your story, and how to implement them in your personal statement.

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What is a Content Revision?

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During the Content Revision phase, I edit your personal statement (or diversity statement) for story flow, believability, and pertinence to law school (or graduate school, for those applying to other graduate degree programs). Here is just a snapshot of what I check for during the Content Revision phase: Does your story make sense? Is it cohesive? Is there a believable connection to law school? Are the sentences too choppy, or do they flow effortlessly, thereby making the admissions reader forget that they're even reading a personal statement? Are the transitions apparent enough to signal the admissions reader that they're transitioning to the next part of your story, yet subtle enough such that the flow and momentum of the story aren't interrupted?

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What is a Grammatical Edit?

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During the Grammatical Edit phase, I will edit for typos, grammatical errors, and syntax (i.e., sentence structure and variation).

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What is a Final Review?

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This is where I take a final look at the final version of your essay before you submit it to the law school of your choice.

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Do you offer a payment plan?

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Yes! Once your application is approved, you will be provided a link to the checkout page. At checkout, you will be able to select from a variety of payment plans:

Option 1 - 1 payment

Option 2 - 2 monthly payments. Available for services totaling $500 or more.

Option 3 - 3 monthly payments. Available for services totaling $1,000 or more.

Option 4 - 4 monthly payments. Available for services totaling $1,500 or more.

Option 5 - 5 monthly payments. Available for services totaling $3,000 or more.

For recurring plans, payments are processed on the same day each month (i.e., If you submit your first payment on February 1st, then subsequent payments will be processed automatically on March 1st, April 1st, etc.)

The rush service cannot be factored into the required total for a payment plan. The rush service must be paid upfront, in full (along with the payment, or initial payment of a payment plan, for the baseline service).

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Have another question not covered above?

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Please email info@harvardandhardshipllc.com.

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Will my payment be secure?

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Yes. The payment processing platform uses 128-bit transcription to process payments. You can also choose PayPal as a checkout option.

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Should I purchase a personal statement or the diversity statement service?

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In my opinion, a diversity statement should not be more than 1-1.5 pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman, 11-pt font) or 500-550 words. Hence, an admissions essay, scholarship essay, etc. greater than 550 words will be charged as a personal statement.

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Can I upgrade my service or package at a later date?

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Yes, as long as the upgrade occurs within 1 year from the purchase date of the original service. Any funds you have paid for the first, lower service will be applied to the new service.

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English is not my first language. Will this be a problem? Can you still help me?

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First off, bilingualism and multilingualism is a beautiful asset to your application package and candidacy! So, no it's absolutely not a problem if English is not your first language, and yes, I can still help you. In fact, past clients have come from a variety of non-English language backgrounds including: Spanish, French, Portugese, Kikongo, Hindi, Urdu, and other community dialects. Furthermore, past clients were in ESL/ESOL ("English for Speakers of Other Languages") in middle and/or high school, and we have worked together to tell their story in an impactful way that is relevant to the schools to which they are applying. Many times, folks get too caught up in trying to "sound smart" or say what they think an admissions reader wants to hear. However, I always start with having the client tell me their story unencumbered, without trying to use elevated diction or perfect syntax and grammar. After the brainstorming phase (Zoom conversation and Strategy Outline), I will revise the essay(s) for content, transitions, grammar, syntax, and overall narrative flow. So if English is not your first language, no worries! Just focus on telling your story and answering the questions I put into your Strategy Outline. I will do the heavy lifting to ensure eloquence, cohesiveness, and that standard English grammatical rules are adhered to.

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