650 Words

The Common Application Personal Essay is 650 words. 650 words that might set your application apart from the thousands of other qualified students vying for a place at the same college. No wonder so many high school students feel daunted by writing the personal essay, but with my help you can shape those 650 words into a compelling and authentic essay about yourself. I believe that every student has a unique story to tell, and students respond to my faith in them by producing vivid and powerful essays.

Reduce the Stress

When I work with students on the personal statement and supplemental essays, I also provide support about the college application process in general. Applying to college is complicated and overwhelming for everyone, but I’ve found that students and their parents are less stressed if I can explain to them what actually happens when the college admissions officers sit down to read an application. I convey to my students a very clear sense of their audience for both the personal essay and the Common Application.

International Students

I have a great deal of experience working with students who speak English as a second language. I spent a year teaching in China as a Fulbright professor and have helped many international students with their college application essays.

Students with Learning Challenges

Some of my most dramatic success stories, both teaching college students and tutoring the college personal essay, have been with students who find writing extremely difficult. Students respond especially well to my patient, supportive and constructive style. Moreover, I know how to break down the writing process into discrete, manageable steps. Students with writing challenges will find that I can help them become stronger, more confident writers in general and will be better equipped for their first-year of college.