How?

My storytelling experience makes me a good judge of what grabs a reader’s attention and what sticks in a reader’s mind. My research and reporting skills unearth your personal stories, which breathe life into your writing. Telling these stories with rich details shows the reader who you are. Submitting a list of your perceived good qualities does not convince anyone. Together, we’ll find your “kicker,” which is what I call an unexpected but delightful tidbit that feels to the reader like a tiny kick in the pants. Something memorable.  

An amazing and honest essay may improve your chances in spite of your grades or test scores.

In some cases, your words can explain a lot about you, your situation and why your grades and scores are as they are. Maybe you need to transfer to a new college and get a fresh start. We can explain that situation and show what you’ve learned. We can also work together to prepare a great scholarship application essay.

No amount of money will persuade me to write this essay for you. But I will hold your hand, sit beside you, stand over you or step behind and gently push you where you need to go. You’ll do the writing and rewriting (and the typing and retyping). I will point you in the right (write?) direction. It might be frustrating, but it will be satisfying. In the end, it will be worth it.

I can be your coach if you’re a fabulous writer or if you aren’t. I can work with what you have barely started, what you have laboriously prepared or the blank sheet of paper you hold.

I usually brainstorm with students alone. I’m happy to have parents sit in while we work, but I ask them to please sit quietly and ask questions when we take a break. If you prefer to work without your parent, that’s your call. If you don’t want to come alone, bring a friend with you. (But the mom in me says that if that becomes a distraction, I will have to separate you.)

Before we start, I will want to get to know you through a short questionnaire and your resume or your transcript.