Using skills that I've developed over the years as a writer and personal historian, my first meeting with your child will include an informal interview based upon a previously completed questionnaire. I find that people often get bogged down in the writing process and that a sure-fire way to get past this stumbling block is to start talking, instead of writing.

Our initial conversation (or interview) is designed to help your child become aware of key events, turning points, and role models in his/her life.  At the end of the session, I will provide some feedback and notes on what I've heard. If desired, I also can record the conversation with a digital recorder and provide a CD that your child can take home. 

After the informal interview, we will review the essay questions for each prospective school. The idea is to help students not only identify a focus for their essay but also to find and become comfortable with their communication style. 

When I write Web copy for a client, I try to mimic the business owner's tone and language. Writing for the Web is not so dissimilar from writing a college essay. It's a conversation. Whether the conversation is between a business owner and a potential client or a student and an admissions counselor, the task is the same. You must connect with your reader by being real and relevant.