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College Admissions Coaching Philosophy

In the race to succeed in an uncertain world, students may feel fear or dread when it comes time to apply to college. How can parents and counselors help?

The first answer is simple: we can listen more than we speak. With a personal and writing-based approach, I guide students to discover their deepest beliefs, honor their own stories, and hone self-presentation skills.

Thoughts About College Admission

Secondly, we all know that college admission is not a true indicator of self worth, so why not reframe the discussion? I provide tips and tools that support a balanced and meaningful approach to applying for college, helping students cultivate curiosity, appreciate their strengths, and put their best foot forward. I do not guarantee admission at select schools, but I do pledge to be in your court as you navigate this challenging time.

The College Application Essay

Lastly, we can help by encouraging students to embrace a key component of the application: the personal essay. As the novelist E.M. Forster once said, “How do I know what I think until I see what I say?” I believe that writing is a process of discovery and, as a poet, I am able to facilitate imagination: pointing out how young writers might hone their attention to detail and their understanding of organic structure, as well as cultivate empathy and imagination. These are keys to growing insights and writing skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Mighty Writing Offerings

Pre-college Coaching

College Path Exploration
Help navigating course options and extracurricular choices to create a balanced and meaningful highs school experience. Exploration of additional opportunities and help with summer program apps if desired
College Search Tools
With practical advice and research tips, we explore potential courses of study and campus environments to build balanced college lists.
Resumes and Recommendations
I also provide tips and guidance as students flesh out their resumes and obtain effective letters of recommendation.
Application Essay Support

Topic Generation for College Application Essays
A key component of the application is the personal essay, a ready-made vehicle for developing introspection and self-worth. Beginning with an in-depth consultation, each student finds their most compelling topics, and together we develop a strategic personalized essay writing plan.
Individualized College Application Essay Advice
While I offer tips from my writer’s toolbox, there is no boilerplate advice. The key to a successful essay is imaginative spark, and my goal is to help each student find it. Along the way, I provide professional editorial feedback helping students learn to shape their meaningful stories into polished essays .
College Readiness

One-on-one Academic Writing Support
For sophomores who want to get a head start with their writing skills or for seniors who need a boost before starting college, I offer instruction in active reading, critical thinking, and academic essays.
Personal Writing Guidance
Whether high schoolers already love language, or need help building their skills, I offer expert guidance in personal writing, including close readings, imaginative writing prompts, and personalized feedback as well as tips regarding summer programs and publication.
Graduate School Application Support

Topic Generation and Essay Feedback
Guidance for advanced degree applicants as they shape stories into polished activity lists and essays.
In-depth consultation to develop meaningful topics for personal statements and supplemental essay, as well as an overall strategy
Expert Application Review
In partnership with Bancroft Consulting:, clients can opt to receive a one-time full review of an application with a former MBA admission officer (Stanford + Haas)