How it works

From a blank page to something only you could have written.

Every student starts somewhere different. The shape below is what the work usually looks like, whether we have six weeks or six months.

A hand writing in a spiral notebook with a sharpened pencil

The consult

Twenty minutes on a call, free. You tell me the schools, the deadlines and what's already written. I tell you what I'd do first and whether I'm the right person for it.

Finding the story

One or two sessions of real conversation, not a brainstorming worksheet. Most students arrive convinced the interesting thing about them is the least interesting thing on their résumé. We go looking for what's actually there.

Drafting together

You write between sessions; we work through each draft the way a script gets notes. Structure first, then scene, then the sentences. Expect several passes — that's the job, and it's where the essay starts sounding like you.

Line edits and polish

The last pass is craft: rhythm, word choice, the opening line, the ending that doesn't explain itself. We cut anything that's there to impress rather than to tell the truth.

What we can work on

Most students need some combination of these. We'll sort out the right mix on the consult.

One-on-one coaching

Hourly sessions, as many or as few as you need. Useful when you know the work but want a reader who will be straight with you.

The personal statement

The Common App essay from topic to final line. The one piece of writing every school will read.

Supplemental essays

The short ones that decide more than students think. Why this school, why this major, and the odd prompt nobody prepares for.

Topic discovery

For the student staring at a blank document. One or two sessions to find the material worth writing about.

Line edits and revisions

A finished draft that isn't landing yet. Sentence-level work on rhythm, clarity and voice, with notes explaining every change.

Interview prep

Talking about yourself out loud is its own skill. We practice until you sound like yourself under pressure.

For students

You do the writing. I make it better.

You'll be asked real questions and given real notes. Nothing about the process requires you to be a natural writer — only willing to revise.

For parents

You'll know where things stand.

I'll tell you the plan, the timeline and what's realistic before we start. During the work, the drafts are between me and your student — that's what makes them honest.

Questions I get

Do you use ChatGPT or any AI?

No. Not for drafting, not for editing, not for generating ideas. Every word of feedback you get comes from me reading your work. An essay written by a machine reads like one, and readers can tell.

Will you write the essay for me?

No. It has to be yours — that's the whole point, and it's the only version that survives an interview or a follow-up question. I coach, question, edit and push. You write.

When should we start?+

Sometime during 11th grade through the summer before Senior year is ideal — there's room to find the right topic instead of settling for the first one. That said, I take students in the fall, and I've done good work in three weeks. Earlier means calmer, not better.

How much time does this take?+

A personal statement is usually four to six sessions across several weeks, plus writing time between them. Supplementals depend on the school list. I'll give you an honest estimate after the consult.

How do sessions run?+

Ideally we meet in person when we get started, though video calls are acceptable. From there, we'll typically meet over Zoom for up to an hour, one on one. You'll get written notes after each one so nothing depends on memory.

What does it cost?+

It depends on what you need, so I quote after the consult rather than guessing here. The consult itself is free.

Start with a free 20 minutes