The College Essay from Start to Finish
I start by reviewing the colleges the student would like to attend and brainstorming ideas. We look for essay topics that draw on the student's personal experiences. We then work on developing an outline for the essay and establish a timetable for getting the work done. The student writes a first draft, which I review. During the revision process, I help students add details, color, specificity, and examples, so that the essay tells a compelling story. If the student wants to show the essay to a guidance counselor or a favorite teacher, I help incorporate any changes they may suggest. Lastly, I do a final review for grammar, spelling, and other proofreading errors prior to submission.
Other Services
+ Essay Revisions
If the student already has an essay written and is only looking for a final edit, I will review the material and suggest changes to improve the overall piece.
+ Supplemental Essays
Most colleges require students to answer one or more supplemental essays. These tend to be more specific to the college and require students to address why they selected that particular school or program. Supplemental essays should complement the main common application essay without repeating the material. I help students develop, revise, and edit these essays. Supplement essays are critically important. Some college admissions counselors pay more attention to them because they are school-specific and distinct from a common application essay.
+ Transfer Essays
If a student is looking to transfer from one college to another, the essay needs to explain the desire to relocate. What did the student discover in the first school that encouraged him or her, to head in a different direction? This essay should also speak to the student's future goals and aspirations. I help brainstorm, shape, and edit these essays to help the student make the transfer.
+ The International Baccalaureate (IB) Essay
An extended 4,000 word essay is a required component of the IB Diploma Program. While this is an independent, self-directed piece of research, I coach the student to shape and structure the project. The research must be laid out with clarity, the writing must be strong, and the methodology and conclusions must be presented in a clear and persuasive manner. Together we make this happen.
+ Additional Writing and Editing Help
I am available to help with all forms of writing and editing including: school papers, research articles, resumes, thank you letters, letters of introduction, internship and job search letters, website copy, speeches, bios, and anything else that involves the written word.