College Ready

…with Danielle Polemeni

ABOUT ME
I have been an educator for over 30 years, and I currently teach AP Language and Composition and English Language Learners at St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus. I have read and reviewed countless college essays over the years, and although the end result has stayed largely the same — a 650-word personal statement — the landscape around it has changed considerably, especially since the pandemic.

I noticed these changes firsthand when my daughter applied to colleges in 2020–2021, which inspired me to earn a Certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from UC Berkeley Extension so I could give students the most current and accurate guidance. I have since helped open a college counseling office at my school, with a professional focus on supporting first-generation students.

WHY THE PERSONAL STATEMENT MATTERS

• Streamlined platforms like the Common App have made applying to multiple colleges (up to 20!) easier than ever.
• Application numbers keep rising while acceptance rates remain stagnant.
• More students than ever before are applying Early Decision or Early Action.
• Colleges and universities track demonstrated interest and applicant
  engagement.
• Admissions offices are placing greater weight on character and holistic portfolios.

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
“Mrs. Polemeni is a thoughtful, constructive, and encouraging mentor. She helped me find my voice, clarify my thoughts, and eloquently express my story as a first-generation college student, which helped me secure a full-ride scholarship to my dream school. She never took over my work, but pushed me in the right direction, helping me to become a better writer in the process. Above all, she understood where I was coming from and motivated me to present my most authentic self in my essays.”
— Rebecca Fekru, Health Sciences + Statistics, Boston University · Questbridge Scholar

“Mrs. Polemeni encouraged me to embrace every part of my journey — from leadership and community involvement to representing Ohio through pageantry — and helped me recognize how those experiences shaped who I was becoming. Her guidance taught me to confidently tell my story and dream beyond what I thought was possible.”
— Roselin Maldonado, Pre-Law, The Ohio State University · Miss Teen Ohio Latina

“Working with Mrs. Polemeni completely transformed my college applications by giving me the confidence and reassurance I needed. She stepped in to help me edit and revise my essays, which made all the difference. Any student would be lucky to have her help on their college journey!”
— Sarah Neighbor, Biochemistry, Honors College, Clemson University

CONTACT
1372 Norris Drive
Columbus, OH 43224
polemeni@desales.co
614-623-2332
LinkedIn Profile

CREDENTIALS
Licensed Secondary English Teacher
Certified Counselor — College
Admissions & Career Planning (UC
Berkeley Extension)
30+ years as an education professional

SERVICES
— Guidance through every stage of the college admissions process
— Support for families navigating the journey together
— Personal statement coaching in the student’s authentic voice
— A curious, encouraging, and honest approach

INVESTMENT
$300 for three 45–50 minute sessions
$150 due after session one; $150 due after the final session
$100 per session for additional support
Meetings via Zoom or Google Meet
Payment via Venmo or Zelle