Frequently Asked Questions
-
No, I charge by session and do not require students to purchase a package of sessions. I do work with many students through the entire application process, helping with time management, topic selection, supplemental essays, etc. With other students, I may work with them on their main essay only. There is no commitment required, and my scheduling is flexible with both day and evening appointments.
-
Our first meeting is all about topic selection. If students have an idea of what they would like to write about, we will start there. I ask A LOT of questions because great essays are in the details.
We will look at an example of a successful college essay together and talk about other potential topics. I have lots of examples of what has worked well in the past that may trigger a student’s memory of an event in their own life.
Finally, we will focus on timeline creation and ways to manage the stress associated with admissions season.
-
I strongly believe that students do their best writing when no one is looking over their shoulder.
Once I talk with a student and we decide upon a topic, I help the student outline what they want to say. Then, they will complete a draft prior to our next meeting. That draft should be just that — a draft.
With a draft, we can then begin editing.
-
A student’s ideas and memories are the story. Writing that all down in an uninterrupted way results in the best essays. After a student has their initial draft, I work with them to address length, structure, organization and word choice issues. It usually takes about three sessions to get the main essay in final form.
-
Yes. When applying to a school that has supplemental, school-specific essays, it is important to view all the essays that will be sent to a school as a “package.” Remember that they will be read together, by the same people.
Because of that, it is important that the essays do not overlap. Each essay is an opportunity for a student to show a different side of themselves. This is why I ask students to keep a running list of potential topics. A topic that might not be selected for the main essay may be a great choice for a supplemental essay.
-
Yes to all the above! I work with students applying to law, medical and graduate schools. I help with personal statements, diversity statements, school-specific essays, and any other addenda that might be needed or beneficial to an application.
Check out my thoughts on how to write a compelling personal statement.
-
Yes! Each year I work with many students applying to UC schools and I am familiar with the prompts and the approaches that successful students have taken in writing those essays.
-
No. I do not ask students to provide their scores, grades, or GPA — college essays are not dependent on those numbers. Essays are about who a student is as a person.
-
My focus is on college or graduate school essays — not on school choice, chances of being accepted, and so on. Guidance counselors, parents, and mentors are great sources of help in choosing schools that are a good fit for a student’s academic background, interests, and needs.
However, I will share whatever tips or advice I might have along the way. As previously noted, in addition to essay support, I work with students on establishing a deadline-based timeline. I’ll also provide tips about staying calm and organized through the process.
-
Written feedback works very well. I use Google Docs to provide comments, corrections, and suggestions. Generally, written feedback works best when I have met with a student for an initial meeting so that we can get to know one another a bit and I can hear about their goals and hopes for the application process.
Contact me via email to get more information about how written feedback works and whether it is a good choice for you.
-
Sessions are usually around 1 hour. However, my schedule is flexible and I am available to meet for longer or shorter amounts of time, if necessary.
-
For information on pricing, please reach out via email.
-
I completely understand that life happens and things come up. However, please provide 24-hour notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. I reserve the right to charge a fee for late cancellations.
