FAQs

Most students already have what they need to complete their college essays. They have lived the stories, garnered a set of writing skills from high school, and are decently-organized human beings (...most of the time).

However, while many students spent years honing their academic writing, narrative and creative writing most understandably took a backseat. Add in some perceived pressure and high school stress, and it feels like so much is on the line. My job as a writing coach is to give your student the confidence to work through the process, while providing an experience to keep them on track and learn a few new skills along the way!

  • As a former classroom instructor, I like to tailor the experience based on what each student needs - I actually want them to learn more about how creative writing works, and how to harness their own voice. My hope is to be their biggest advocate during their writing!

    In general, this process usually includes:

    Explaining the role of the college essay

    Brainstorming and development sessions

    Prompt and topic selection

    Assistance in finding a style and voice

    Breaking the essay down into manageable steps

    Deadline calendars

    Modeling and assigning revision strategies

    Graphic organizers for students to use

    Grammar assistance

    Feedback on structure, clarity, and word choice

    An on-demand scheduling portal

    A combination of virtual video calls, recorded feedback, and written notes

    Instruction on supplement essays and research

    Consultation with professional IECs and other counselors as needed

  • The ethics of the college application process are important to me. Although I am prepared to help a student find a voice and structure that authentically represents his or her best efforts, I will not write or revise any part of an essay for a student. I ask lots of questions, encourage writing in a variety of formats, and welcome all stages of writing. Students who are unwilling to complete multiple drafts will not be a good fit for this experience.

    Students should also value ethical considerations as they prepare for higher education; part of my contract is that students will not use plagiarized or AI-generated work.

  • I work with a few students each year on a discounted fee or pro bono basis; if your family qualifies for free and reduced lunch or SAT/ACT waivers, don't hesitate to contact me directly.

  • All students write differently and come to college essay writing with varying abilities. Our goal is to bring out your student’s personal best, which is a few levels up from what you've seen on an average assignment. Admissions officers expect and understand that an essay will sound like a 17-year-old versus a graduate student or a parent, and writing should match their academic profile. My goal is that your student will feel proud of their essay and will have learned a few new writing skills during the process that they can apply to the rest of their application season.

  • I always love this question! You can be a sounding board for their ideas, read their work if they wish, and nudge them to complete our assignments on time. You can also help them set aside time for their writing - the quality of the written product usually directly correlates with the amount of effort a student puts in.

  • I cannot, and please be wary of anyone who says they can. The decisions made by colleges and institutions are solely their own. In addition, academic profiles (grades and course rigor) will always rank above the essay, so expecting an essay to overcome the impact of a student’s academic performance often puts undue stress on a student. However, I will hopefully provide some insight during the process that your student will find helpful. I am certified in college counseling, a licensed teacher, and up-to-date on data and trends via classes and professional groups.

  • Although I am certified in college counseling, I only just beginning to phase that into my work. If you are a sophomore and would like to work with me for the long-haul on your college prep experience, shoot me a note! Otherwise, I recommend Linda Lounsbury or Cathy Ganley, with whom I have a working relationship. I also strongly recommend reading the book Who Gets in and Why by Jeffrey Selingo; it has a wealth of data and regarding how different colleges and universities approach the admissions process