About Coaching (FAQs)
What doesn't an essay coach do?
I don't oversee your application process like a full-service college consultant would. This means that you provide me with complete, accurate information about deadlines and what's required by each of the schools you're applying to—not the other way around. Also: while firmly steering you away from poorly developed themes, stiff prose and any number of misguided approaches...I do not dictate your essays.
What do your services typically consist of?
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INTENSIVE BRAINSTORMING to identify the best topics and approaches for every component of your essay package: compelling topics that showcase your strengths, insights, interests and experiences; engaging approaches that are personal (not confessional) and powerful (not boastful).
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EASY-TO-FOLLOW, COLOR-CODED EDITS through multiple drafts, to help you develop standout essays in your own voice.
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COMPREHENSIVE CRITIQUES to ensure your ownership of all the material, and a true learning experience.
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ONLINE RESEARCH as needed, to assist you in developing targeted approaches to the various schools and programs.
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CAREFUL CUTTING so your final drafts adhere to word limits, without losing any key themes in the process.
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PAINSTAKING PROOFREADING...but additional eyes are always essential!
What happens during the kick-off consultation?
These sessions run 1.5-2 hours—longer, if needed and we're on a roll. I love meeting my clients in person (those in NY-NJ-CT) but at this time I'm conferencing with everyone, nationwide, entirely via Zoom or FaceTime.
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To get to know you, I'll have a lot of questions and do a lot of listening. And you can ask me anything!
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We'll zero in on a strong essay topic and start brainstorming the particulars. (Pro-tip: don't be put off by what may initially seem like conversational "tangents." They can be goldmines!) We may nail down some of the supplements, too, or at least we'll touch on them.
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You'll get a first assignment (information-gathering, writing) and a deadline for it.
After this initial meeting, the bulk of our work together will likely be via intensive back-and-forth emailing, with additional video or phone consultations if you benefit from that type of support.
HELP...I'm freaking out! I have no idea what to write about!!
Fear not. You'll be surprised—I'm even surprised!—at how successfully I'm usually able to point anxious clients towards topics they'll enthusiastically run with; it's often something right under their noses. My intensive brainstorming also helps clients who have already decided on their topics, to approach and develop them in impactful, original ways.
Can we work together on just the main essay? The shorter ones seem pretty straightforward.
This would not be in your best interest. While not every component of an application package may require the same "wow factor" as a Common App essay or Personal Statement, everything should have a consistent voice and degree of polish.
The fact that an essay is short doesn't mean it's easy to hit out of the ballpark. It can take many drafts, for example, to distinguish yourself from among 47,000 other highly qualified applicants who are ALL responding to the prompt "Why Yale?" in just (yikes!) 100 words.
How involved should parents be in this process?
When it comes to high-school students, it's usually a parent who contacts me. Our preliminary conversation (up to 30 minutes, free of charge) can serve as a valuable introduction to their child.
Many parents say that the very best part of hiring a coach is that it allows them to "disengage" somewhat from what can be a stressful rite of passage. Some teens find it empowering to develop their ideas with minimal parental involvement; others need ongoing support from home, especially when it comes to staying on top of deadlines and application requirements. I check in regularly on how my clients are doing and will reach out to parents of high-schoolers if I'm becoming worried that things aren't progressing as they should. I always encourage applicants, including those on the graduate level, to share later drafts with their parents or other advisors to ensure that no key elements were overlooked.
Parents are welcome to contact me at any juncture should they have questions or concerns, or if circumstances arise that they think I should be aware of. Personal, academic or health issues remain strictly confidential. (I don't even disclose the names of my clients, except by their approval.)
On occasion, well-meaning parents will forward essay drafts to multiple associates or family members, soliciting their comments. An outside expert often provides excellent guidance, but "too many cooks" will lead to fruitless second-guessing, wasted time and money, and a significantly agitated applicant. I promise: your trust and patience will be rewarded with outstanding final products!
How much do these services cost?
This is a highly customized professional service and the total cost will depend on:
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how many schools the student is applying to;
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how many/what types of supplements are required and whether some of them can be repurposed for multiple schools;
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how many drafts it will take to get the essays just right.
Contact me for my current hourly rates.
What information is needed so we can get started?
Before we start brainstorming, I'll need:
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your up-to-date resume (can be an informal activities/"brag" sheet);
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a working list or spreadsheet of the schools/programs you're seriously interested in, indicating whether there's a first-choice school to which you plan on applying early;
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the exact wording of the various schools' supplementary essays and their word (or character) limits.
Of course, many applicants aren't ready to finalize their list of targeted schools until later. Just keep me updated, and make sure to leave adequate "marination time" for your final drafts. (Pro-tip: when essays are prepared in haste...it shows!)
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