My Process

Organization +
Time Management

My students are often amazed at the checklist we put together comprised of early and regular decision deadlines, Common App essay topics, word count, as well as supplemental and short answer questions. Organizing all college requirements into one, streamlined document helps students to fully grasp the enormity of the tasks ahead and create realistic deadlines.

I have my students aim to submit their early decision/early action applications 3-4 weeks in advance. This early submittal gives the student laser focus as well as plenty of time to perfect all essay and short responses. Whether the student decides to apply early or regular decision, I recommend weekly check-ins to flush out any problem areas and ensure that positive momentum and productivity continue.

Brainstorming + Strategizing Essay Topics

The pressure to choose the “best” essay topic often looms over my students’ heads. However, I help students get past what they think they should write about in order to uncover their unique story. I do this by being a good listener to my student — both to what is being said and to what is not being said.

In our first brainstorming session, we will tackle the longer personal statement while simultaneously keeping in mind the supplemental essays. By doing so, the student will be able to project a complete, well-rounded picture of who they are for the admissions officers.

Structuring Your Essay

Giving your ideas a solid structure will help to amplify your story and message. During this part of the writing process, I lead students through developing a focal point, and we hone in on what to highlight through their story. We also discuss and choose the essay structure that best allows the student to tie their unique experiences to their personal growth. 

The essay structure, and even the story, will inevitably evolve during the writing process. Having a solid plan in the beginning gives students a strong springboard from which to begin their storytelling process. 

In my eight years of coaching students through their essays for college applications and academic assignments, I have found that my presence, even if just sitting in silence beside the student while they write, can be a comforting and reassuring force. This silent collaboration is beneficial to the student — it allows time for the student to process through writing while simultaneously getting the work done.

In a society focused on perfection, the first draft, which is meant to be messy and unpolished, can be incredibly anxiety-inducing for students. However, a majority of my students express often that they are more confident and worry less when I am sitting beside them during the writing process.

College application essays go through many rounds of edits before submitting. Thoroughness matters. And the clearer, more precise the language and structure, the more the story, themes, and personality can shine through. I utilize a “yes, and” approach during the editing process in order to refine the main ideas and word choice. I help students craft introductions that grab readers, insert moments of humor and charisma, and conclude with a strong “aha!”.

By the time students submit their college application essays, they will feel like they have gone through their application a hundred times (and so do their parents). This is a necessary part of the process — we eliminate all errors to focus the admissions counselor’s attention on the awesomeness of the student’s story and package.

Once we are done with that first early decision application, we do it all again for the remaining essays and applications! It’s worth it — to feel confident that you are putting your best foot forward is a worthy investment of your time and energy.