Apply with confidence.

Essays & personal statements that tell your story powerfully.

The college application process is a pressure cooker, and competitiveness continues to rise. With a decreased emphasis on standardized tests and AP scores at many colleges, the personal statement is more important than ever – it’s your one chance to show schools your best, most genuine self in your own words.

Having an insider on your team who knows what colleges are looking for and who is expert at helping students develop compelling stories can dramatically improve the likelihood of admission. More importantly, it relieves confusion, fear and stress around the writing process (often easing tension between applicants and their families during this nerve-wracking time.)

The Problem

The Process

A writing coach helps students with the written portions of the application, supplementing school guidance programs and assuring focused personal attention. College essays are unique – unlike typical high school English class writing, the best ones use compelling story-telling (rather than the formulaic 5-paragraph essay style) to illuminate their authors’ unique traits and talents.

Discovering the best topic to strengthen a student’s application is my forte, and my approach is tailored to each student’s needs. An initial 20-minute consultation will help me understand where you are in the process and what your goals are. From there, my basic package includes two live sessions over Zoom, as well as two rounds of asynchronous editing using Google Docs. Additional sessions can be added on. (See pricing information below.)

My goal is for students to feel supported and empowered, families to be relieved of some of the stress of the process, and admission officers to have a complete, well-rounded picture of my applicants through their personal narratives.

Services

Full Process ($1,500)

For students who have not started the writing process or are stuck and want guidance through it all.

Includes Zoom sessions, multiple rounds of edits and final review of written application materials. Quick support via text also available!

Hourly ($225/hour)

For students who have the process under control but want assistance with particular aspects of it.

Choose this for specific support such as brainstorming topics, feedback on a draft, help with supplemental responses, activities descriptions, special circumstances etc.

Copy editing ($150 per essay)

For students who simply want to be sure their written pieces are grammatically perfect.

A rigorous review of grammar, spelling, syntax and responsiveness to prompt. Includes a “red flag review” (identification of potentially problematic topics).

“My sons felt instantly calmer about the essay-writing process when they consulted with Leigh. She delivered common-sense advice and practical suggestions that sliced through their worried brain freeze and helped them refine their ‘AP English’-type first drafts into catchy stories that showed how they think and react. Both were admitted to multiple top-tier universities.”
Caren P. (NJ), Parent

FAQs

  • Sessions are over Zoom or in person, and we work on a shared Google doc. For the 650-word common app essay, 60- or 90-minute sessions generally work best. Thorough edits (with comments and the ability to trade thoughts and ideas that way) happen between sessions.

  • Every student is different, but the college essay process can take anywhere from two to five sessions. If a students already has an initial draft of the essay written, fewer sessions may suffice.

  • Parents can offer valuable insights, but because the essay must reflect the student’s voice (and admission readers are expert at spotting adult voices), these sessions work best if adult family members are not involved. I am happy to chat with family members about a student before scheduling a session, but ask adults to refrain from reading the essay draft after each session; it’s distracting and can diminish the student’s presence in the essay. Once a draft is complete, parents have a chance to read it, and any questions/thoughts will be addressed.

  • We’re happy to talk about helping with private school, grad school, scholarship or any other “application” type essay. Submit an inquiry to discuss!

  • Hit the “Get Started” button and submit an inquiry!