The college admissions process can be a stressful time for students and their families. What should be an exciting, empowering experience for young people often turns into sleepless nights and tense dinnertime conversations. But it doesn't have to be that way. 

By bringing a College Essay Coach into the fold, you can help make this portion of the college admissions process a fun, enriching experience for your child.  

How?

The college essay presents an incredible opportunity for our kids. For perhaps the first time in their academic lives, they are being asked to tell their story in their own authentic voice. That's what college admissions counselors want to hear. But it takes a steady, guiding hand to help students find and trust the voice that will ultimately serve to differentiate them from the crowd.

As a personal historian, I help people tell and preserve their life stories. We often feel a calling to create a lasting legacy of our lives as we enter "the golden years." But the college essay provides young people with a similar opportunity -- to share something meaningful about themselves at an equally pivotal time in their lives, as they move from childhood into adulthood. 

I offer one-on-one guidance for students as they navigate through the process of developing and writing their story. Here's how it works:

Week 1 - Finding Your Voice & Focus
 - Complete questionnaire and informal interview process
 - Review essay questions for your prospective school(s)
 - Identify a focus for your paper(s)

Week 2 - Laying It Down
 - Determine organization and tone of paper
 - Discuss ways to engage the reader
 - Submit rough draft or outline

Week 3 - Ironing It Out
 - Work on style through draft revisions
 - Complete final draft

Week 4 - Finalizing the Essay
 - Learn key copyediting techniques
 - Proofread, proofread, proofread
 - Prepare final copy & send!