FAQs

Never!  A coach or parent should never do the writing for a student. My role is to guide, support, and strategize, but every essay is written by the student. That’s how we make sure the final essay reflects your child’s authentic voice—the one admissions officers notice + remember.

I coach students to uncover what makes them unique + teach them how to organize, communicate, and polish their ideas.  Feedback always comes in the form of questions, suggestions, and examples from me. At the end of the process, I like to ask parents: If your child’s essay were hanging anonymously on a wall in the school hallway among hundreds of others, would you be able to pick it out? If the answer is yes, we’ve done our job.

AI can be useful for brainstorming, proofreading, and researching colleges, but it should never, ever write the essay. Admissions officers are looking for insight, reflection, and personality — three things only a “real” student can provide. And trust me, admissions officers can tell an essay’s been written by someone other than an 18-year-old student. That said, AI is just getting started. That’s why I show students how to use AI responsibly in the process, while making sure the final essay is 100% their own work.

Sessions usually start with conversation + brainstorming work. We take as long as we need to reflect on experiences that reveal values, strengths, and personality. We think of the application as a whole, with the personal statement as the first + biggest chapter of your student’s story. Early in the process, we spend time with this question: What do you want an admissions officer to remember about you in one sentence? This “takeaway” guides the essay and the rest of the application.  From there, we organize ideas, work on sections at a time, and review revisions together. Of course,  I love a good wild writing session too!  Every session is tailored to the student’s pace and ability. I always provide time for reflection, questions, and feedback. My goal is for my students to leave each session feeling confident about their next draft.

This depends on the number of essays + where a student is starting from, but most complete the Common App essay over several weeks. It truly depends on the student. Once the Common App opens in August, school-specific supplemental essays also require time. Some schools have only one prompt; highly selective colleges may require 5–8 additional essays. Each one takes brainstorming, drafting, and revising.  Starting early helps students produce thoughtful essays without the stress of last-minute deadlines.

Absolutely not! I work with students at all skill levels, from those who love writing to those who quite frankly, dread it. I never turn away a student willing to put in the time + effort.  My goal is to help every college-bound student share their story clearly + confidently. By the end, my students not only have strong essays, but become more confident writers too. Yay

Yes! Essays absolutely matter! Ask any admissions officer and they will remember an applicant who they admitted because of an essay. Grades + test scores show academic accomplishments, but essays are what make a student memorable. They give admissions officers a sense of personality, values, and perspective — things numbers alone can’t possibly show. Even at schools where essays are“optional, submitting a strong personal statement is usually a good idea. Admissions officers will read it, and a well-written essay helps a student stand out from applicants with similar academics. The Common App essay is a chance to add context, show growth, and highlight what makes the student unique. While the best essays can’t guarantee admission (because nothing is guaranteed, anymore), they remain one of the most powerful ways for admissions officers to see who your student is + what they will bring to campus.

A strong personal statement takes time — and students need to understand this is not a one-and-done project. Most of my students go through 5–7 drafts before the essay really clicks. From the start, I make sure students know this is part of the process: each draft clarifies ideas, tightens writing, and strengthens their voice. Knowing multiple drafts are normal takes the pressure off and helps students work confidently. By the end, they don’t just have a polished essay, they’ve also learned to organize ideas, reflect on experiences, and communicate clearly. Important skills that stick with them far beyond college applications.

Parents play an important role: asking questions, helping students reflect, and nudging them to stay on track. I’m always happy to guide parents on how to provide feedback in ways that support without taking over. One of my biggest tips for those starting this process? Ask your child early on: How do you want me to support you?  Support might mean helping your student stay organized, offering perspective on prospective colleges, or simply being available when you are “needed.” The key is remembering this process belongs to your student. Setting boundaries around college conversations + maintaining balance helps ensure that this process doesn’t take over everyday life.  Unsure how to start the college convo? Reach out for a list of conversation-starting questions you can use with your teenager!

As early as possible! Ideally, juniors begin reflecting on Common App prompts when they’re released in late February or early March, and begin drafting during the summer before senior year. But…let’s be honest — we can only hope! And trust me, this “best-case scenario” doesn’t always happen. My phone really starts ringing in October! Starting early allows time to brainstorm, write multiple drafts, and polish essays — without the stress of fall deadlines. For Early Action or Early Decision applicants, deadlines arrive as early as October, so planning ahead is key. Ask any current senior what they wish they’d done differently, and most will say: “I wish I had started sooner.”

An English essay is a good start, but a college essay plays by a different set of rules. Admissions officers aren’t just looking for polished writing and thesis statements. They want insight, self-reflection, personal growth, and personality. In short, they want to see the student behind the grades.  I can help students take a paper they’re proud of and turn it into something that works for college admissions. Often though, we end up going in an entirely different direction once they understand the goals of the personal statement.

I like to recommend beginning the process in 10th or 11th grade to allow time for college planning and research, standardized testing, summer experiences, and meaningful extracurricular involvement. That said, every student’s situation is unique. For students with specific goals or more selective admissions targets, beginning as early as freshman year can provide valuable time for intentional planning + positioning.

Yes! I work with all types of students, including those with ADHD + dyslexia. Because I work one-on-one with students and don’t limit session time, I’m able to tailor my approach to each student’s individual strengths and challenges. My goal is to help every student find a writing process that works for them, and there are many different techniques that I like to use! Every student has a story, and each one deserves to be told.