Question 1

What is the consulting process like?

Accepted Answer

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 to 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 order 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 (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?
Client: After accepting (or rejecting) the revision 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, ensure 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 T14 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

Question 2

What is the $100 refundable deposit for? How do I make sure it is refunded?

Accepted Answer

The following policies are necessary to ensure that clients are serviced in a timely manner that is fair to others awaiting services.
 
$25 will be deducted from the refundable deposit for:
 
No-Shows - If you are not able to attend a Zoom Conversation, please cancel your appointment via the confirmation email you received when you scheduled the appointment. You must cancel no later than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment. (To be clear: If your appointment is at 11am ET Thursday, you must cancel 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. 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/revision will be late AND inform us of a new date by when you will submit the draft/revision. Please also be mindful that failure to submit drafts and revisions by the internal deadline may result in delay of editing your application materials in time for you to meet the college, university, or law school application deadline.
 
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.The maximum word count for a diversity statement is 800* words. You will be charged $25 for every 50 words above the word count, beginning at word 801.
 
*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, 11-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced is approximately 1,200 words.
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 $100 at the conclusion of services, or once the payment plan is paid in full, whichever occurs later. Otherwise, you will be refunded $100 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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Intake, payment, and scheduling initial conversation - after you submit an application for service, please allow 2-3 business days for processing paperwork and payment
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 turnaround times, 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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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 days from the date you submit payment and signed contract to Harvard and Hardship, or you simply wish to move up in the queue with priority attention, you must purchase an the Expedited Service. Prices are listed in the A-La-Carte section of the website.

For your application materials to be expedited, payment for expediting must be submitted in addition to 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 expediting service to the cart at checkout.

Question 5

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Are virtual consultations available?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Once you submit a down payment (or full payment) for your selected service, you will have access to Angel's calendar and be able to schedule a Zoom meeting.

Question 8

I've already written my personal statement (diversity statement, etc.) can you review it for a cheaper rate than buying the entire service?

Accepted Answer

I have found that even when clients have already completed a draft version of their statement, I still need to sift their statement, life story, and ambitions through my unique editing process. Therefore, all clients, whether or not they have already completed a draft of their admissions essay(s), must undergo the same Harvard & Hardship editing process. I am happy to review your personal statement, diversity statement, etc., as part of one of the services or packages I offer.

Question 9

Can I speak to Angel directly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided that you have purchased a consulting service. First, however, you must submit an application for service, be approved, and submit payment.

Question 10

How is it true that Harvard and Hardship LLC helps students, "no matter their social or economic background" but also charges for its services? Isn't that hypocritical?"

Accepted Answer

Guiding students through college and law school is the priority of Harvard and Hardship LLC; this is not a "hussle" or side job. Therefore, clients are charged as compensation for advice and time.
 
However, interest-free payment plans are available that allow clients to pay over an extended time frame.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

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), 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.

Question 12

Can Angel write my admissions essay or personal statement for me?

Accepted Answer

Crafting your admissions essay 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" connection,
cues on where and how to engage the admissions reader using storytelling techniques, and 
expert advice on grammar, sentence structure, and variation.

Question 13

Do you offer a payment plan?

Accepted Answer

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 only for services totaling $1,500 or more.
Option 3 - 3 monthly payments. Available only for services totaling $3,000 or more.
Option 4 - 4 monthly payments. Available only for services totaling $5,000 or more.
Option 5 - 5 monthly payments. Available only for services totaling $10,000 or more.
Option 6 - 6 monthly payments. Available only for packages totaling $20,000 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.)

Question 14

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

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

ANGEL THE LAW SCHOOL COACH LLC

Frequently Asked Questions