Frequently Asked Questions
As a writer whose expertise is in the personal essay, I discovered it was a natural progression for me to become an essay coach. Not only do I love writing essays, but I adore working with teenagers. I am a mother to three sons, two of whom have already gone through the college process. All of my sons are very different, academically and socially, and through my own family, I could see the need for essay coaching that does not cater to just one type of student. I started my own practice so that I could help all kinds of students, who are applying to all types of schools.
The essay part of the college application process can be daunting, especially if a student has many supplemental essays to write as well. For many high schoolers, the college essay will be one of the first times they are being asked to write a personal narrative. Most students are used to the academic type of writing that occurs in English classes, but the college essay is different. And, that means a student needs to be taught to write differently.
Many of my families also work with college counselors but want a separate essay coach to help navigate this part of the process. Some college counselors will actually outsource the essay work anyway or recommend someone like me to assist. Finally, some families have been down the college application road before with an older child and don’t want or need help from a private college counselor. These “more seasoned” families frequently still want the support of an essay coach because they know it takes an experienced, patient and upbeat person (i.e., me!) to guide a student with essay writing.
First and foremost, I am a published writer! Personal essays are my expertise and my absolute favorite type of writing.
Second, my initial career was in marketing and brand management. I can’t think of a better background to help support students as they figure out how to present their best self to colleges.
Third, I am a parent to two college students, so I have been down this road twice with my own sons. I understand the anxiety that can invade this process. I do my best to keep the stress away and actually make it fun.
Finally, I love my job! I truly feel privileged to work with high school students on what can feel like a vulnerable time in their life. Many students are sharing pieces of their private thoughts and selves in their essays for the first time and I am honored to help them bring those ideas to the written page.
No, no, a thousand times no! My approach is to support and guide students through this process so that their college essay is authentic, from initial ideas all the way to a finished piece. My goal is for each essay to represent a student’s true voice so that college admissions officers can learn more about who you are and what qualities you can bring to their campus.
The best part about working with me is that I can come to your home and work with your student in their own, familiar environment! However, if you prefer a more “neutral” meeting place, we can arrange to have our in-person sessions at the local library or a coffee shop. Also, after my two initial in-person meetings, I generally work with students over email or google docs until an essay is complete. I am certainly available for more face-to-face meetings if preferred.
The answer to this can vary and depend on your own schedule. Some students like to start as early as the June before their senior year because they know they have a busy summer ahead and want to get a jump on the essay, which is the most time-consuming part of the college application. Others prefer to wait until the end of summer because they simply can’t wrap their head around doing anything academic before then. And still others prefer to wait until the fall of their senior year because they will be in “application mode” and ready to tackle their essays at the same time. We can discuss timing based on anticipated schedules so that application deadlines are met with ease.
Yes, I help with those too, any other written parts of the applications (such as the Additional Information section) plus I will review and provide suggestions on letters of continued interest in reply to any waitlist or deferral decisions.