WHY HIRE AN ESSAY COACH?​

In these days of test optional admissions and consequently increased competition, the essay has become your best chance to stand out in the college application crowd. In fact, the essay is the most direct way to demonstrate to the Admissions Office what an incredible person you are. Central to your essay is identifying a story that highlights who you are and how you interact with the world as told in your own unique style. With applications to competitive schools at an all-time high you need dynamic prose that can grab the attention of the college admissions officers who may be reading hundreds, if not thousands, of essays over a brief period. And you must tell your story with a clear and concise arc that comes to a compelling conclusion in 650 words or less. No wonder writing a short essay fills so many college-bound students with anxiety!

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This is where I can be of help. With over two decades of experience helping non-profits discover and draft the stories for successful grant proposals, I can help you uncover and compose your own stories for a singular college essay. Likewise, as an award-winning playwright and writing instructor, I have experience helping students bring out their own authentic and distinctive writing voice. For instance, do you consider yourself a bit of a class clown or drama queen? Then let’s infuse your text with witticisms and amusing observations. Or are you a serious sort who prefers to read dense textbooks in science and engineering? This, too, should come out in your essay in a genuine and profound narrative.

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WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

I offer college essay coaching from planning to conception to final copy editing. We will start with a dialogue to help you focus on the qualities that make you special and will stand out to college admissions. We will also uncover those stories and details which best illustrate those qualities. Depending on your comfort as a writer, we will work on framing and outlining the essay and discovering your personal prose style. In later sessions we will edit and refine the essay to be as cogent and cohesive as possible.  

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There are no up-front fees; college essay coaching is rated by the hour and follows at your own pace. For students and parents of high school underclassmen and fall semester Juniors I offer comprehensive admission planning to help you be more confident and proactive in your college admissions journey and avoid needless stress.  When we start writing the essay, I tailor sessions to accommodate students who need more help uncovering the stories or devising a framework, or focus on writing style and copy edits accordingly. Each advising session is geared to your strengths and needs, the schools you are interested in, and the qualities you want to reflect. There is no single process to your essay and the results will be equally distinct and unique to reflect you.