Sarah Aller
Owner, Use Your Words Writing
M.A. Journalism, Northwestern
Hi, I'm Sarah!
As a former journalist + PR professional, I spent more than 20 years asking thoughtful questions, listening closely, and looking beyond the obvious. I learned that the best stories often come from genuine conversation.
Today, I use those same reporting techniques to uncover what makes your student memorable. I help them communicate who they are with greater clarity + confidence. Along the way, they gain a deeper appreciation for the people + moments that have shaped them.
Helping students recognize that their voices + perspectives matter is what makes this work so rewarding.
Every student has a story.
Finding it is my job.
Why work with a coach?
Writing a great college essay takes more than strong grammar. It requires reflection, insight + the ability to communicate personal growth. These are skills few students learn in school. That’s why even the brightest students can feel stuck when it comes to writing about themselves.
That’s where I come in.
You don’t need a perfect transcript or a perfect story. You just need honesty, self-awareness + a willingness to look more closely at who you are. I help students move beyond what they’ve done to understand why it matters.
From there, we focus on strengthening their voice and communicating their ideas clearly + confidently. With structure, thoughtful feedback + encouragement, the process becomes far less intimidating and far more productive.
And while the college application process can be stressful, my students never have to navigate it alone!
My approach
Your stats get you to the table.
Your story sets you apart.
It all starts with a conversation. An in-person, no-cell-phone-allowed conversation. I ask thoughtful questions + dig deeper to get to know each student. I pay close attention to how they naturally speak because that's the voice we ultimately want to capture.
From there, we identify unique traits, core values, and meaningful experiences through brainstorming + freewriting. We shape those ideas into a clear, compelling narrative and build the application chapter by chapter.
A personal statement that tells a unique + inspiring story
Supplemental essays that add depth + perspective
Activities List + Letters of Rec that reinforce character, initiative, and impact
This is about more than sharing your best story.
It's about helping colleges understand who you really are.
My goal
My goal is to help students become stronger writers while making the college prep journey more manageable + less stressful.
I bring structure, transparency, and steady guidance to what can often feel like an overwhelming process, helping students move forward with clarity + confidence. While college admissions may be unpredictable, a student’s approach to the process doesn’t have to be.
Through this work, teens build essential life skills like critical thinking, problem-solving + communication. They gain a deeper understanding of themselves + what they care most about.
To me, what matters most is not just where students get in.
It's who they become in this process.
What parents can expect
Trust me, students aren’t the only ones who feel overwhelmed during the college application process! Between financial aid discussions, college visits, deadlines, and trying to find the right balance between helping + stepping back, parents have a lot to manage too.
When your child works with me, I’ll be there to answer questions + guide your family throughout the process. I’ll keep you informed while helping your student take increasing ownership of their applications
Honest, thoughtful feedback while preserving your student’s voice
Structured timelines + manageable steps for your student
Less stress at home, knowing your student is supported at every step of their college prep journey!
