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Craft your unique story,
step by step

You are more than just the grades on your transcript. Write a college essay that conveys who you really are. With fewer schools prioritizing standardized tests, your college essays carry more weight than ever. Let me help you take your writing to the next level.

About me

After years of teaching college freshmen and high school juniors and seniors, I worked for Princeton University as an undergraduate application reader, and I learned the intricacies of the selection process. College essays, I came to understand, revealed something intangible about an applicant, something grades, resumes, test scores, and teacher or counselor recommendations could not.  At many competitive universities, the majority of applicants are, it would seem, uniquely qualified for admission. The essay provides that necessary distinguishing factor.  It is the missing piece!

At Princeton University, where the acceptance rate rests at about 6%, the essays were often what provided that needed distinction, influencing me to rate one application higher than another.  

In my experience, a strong, standout essay is authentic, thoughtful, revealing and original. But getting there can be daunting. With my support, step by step, students will craft meaningful and articulate writing – in personal statements, supplemental essays, and in all other areas of the application that a student seeks help.

My qualifications

I am a certified secondary English teacher, and I have worked with all levels of students, in both public and private high schools. Currently, I teach AP Literature and Composition and AP Language and Composition to juniors and seniors at Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, NJ. Additionally, I am an AP Literature Rater for the College Board, ETS. My experiences in each of these settings have equipped me with skills necessary to assist high school students as they begin writing college essays: patience, methodology, enthusiasm, and a strong background in writing and editing.

Some of the schools to which my students have been admitted:

Whatever your needs are, I am here to assist you.

Just Beginning...
Where/How do I begin?
$125 // per session

I can help you if:

  • You haven’t selected a prompt or narrowed down your topic yet
  • You selected a prompt and know your topic but don’t know where to begin
  • You have a very bare bones draft but need direction and editing to proceed
Up to 60 min. sessions of live feedback
Comprehensive editing/feedback
On Your Way...
I have a draft! How is it?
$125 // per session

I can help you if:

  • You have a solid draft but seek feedback on content, style, and overall quality
  • You would like your essay to be carefully edited and you are open to feedback for potential improvement
  • You wrote your essay, but you feel like you need one more set of eyes to read it carefully and reassure you it is up to the highest standards!
Up to 60 min. sessions of live feedback
Comprehensive editing/feedback
Other Services...
Full service writing tutor
$125 // per session

I can help you if:

  • You need additional support for your current English class.
  • You would like assistance preparing for the AP Lit or Lang exam.
  • You would like occasional tutoring in writing.
Up to 60 min. work session/editing with draft
Comprehensive editing/feedback

What my students and their parents have to say:

Your editing and feedback were very helpful because I struggle with grammar and choosing the correct words to explain my thinking. Your editing suggestions helped frame my thinking, so I could convey what I wanted my universities to understand. You also gave different ways of wording phrases that would provide a different perspective of my topic which gave a clearer image of what I wanted to convey. I would definitely recommend your assistance to others because you reply very fast to questions about your editing suggestions or reviewing changes I have made to my essay.

Victoria, Hopewell Valley Central High School // Boston University

The feedback and editing that Mrs. Luedeke provided was extremely helpful during my college essay writing process. The comments she provided not only related to both minor and major grammar errors, but was also content related to make sure my essay read in a coherent manner, answered the prompt to the best it could, and got across my message in the most effective way.

Julia, Notre Dame High School // Tulane University

Mrs. Luedeke has always taken the time to review my essays in depth and provided thoughtful
comments and suggestions that made me view the topics I wrote about in a new light. I was very
happy with my college essay after consulting with her and would recommend her assistance to
anyone!

Isabella, Notre Dame High School // NYU

Mrs. Luedeke provided me the extra help I needed to take my writing to the next level. Her assistance helped me get accepted to top universities and colleges across the Nation. I would highly recommend Mrs. Luedeke to help with any and all writing.

Andrew, Notre Dame High School // Villanova University

Sam had a great experience working with you and your feedback and guidance was extremely helpful. I think you have a gift of giving direction and correction in a clear, gentle, supportive way while being very respectful of the student’s own voice.

Sarah, mom
Sam, HVRSD class of 2020 // Ursinus College

I was unbelievably stressed out about the college application process, especially my essay. Once I began working with Mrs. Luedeke, I was quickly relieved of that stress. You broke it down step by step and continued to work with me until you thought the essay was good and I was ready to turn it in. You responded very quickly to all of my emails which was also very helpful, especially as deadlines approach quicker than I thought they would.

Brielle, Notre Dame High School // Monmouth University

I had a lot of different ideas in my essay, and you were able to give me your genuine thoughts, which were very helpful in narrowing my essay down to its final form. I would definitely recommend your assistance to others. It was extremely obvious that you had great experience in the college essay field and dedication to me throughout my essay writing process.

NDHS // University of Pittsburgh

Sam had a great experience working with you and your feedback and guidance was extremely helpful. I think you have a gift of giving direction and correction in a clear, gentle, supportive way while being very respectful of the student’s own voice.

Sarah, mom
Sam HVRSD class of 2020 // Ursinus College

I don't think I would have been able to get into all of the schools I applied to if it wasn't for you. I would recommend your assistance to others because you really helped me to develop my essay.

NDHS // The College of New Jersey

The feedback and editing Mrs. L provided was extremely beneficial as her guidance helped me to strengthen the overall message behind my college essay. Specifically, Mrs. L was extremely helpful in pointing out grammatical errors throughout the initial copy of my essay which would have appeared unprofessional if not corrected. Not only was the way in which she formatted corrections in my essay beneficial to my essay as a whole, the in-depth explanations she gave to each edit can be applied to any student’s writing in the future. I would 100% recommend Mrs. L to any student trying to navigate the college application process as her guidance was imperative in my success of getting into college.

Robbinsville High School // Northeastern University

Mrs. Luedeke's feedback was absolutely wonderful in developing my college supplemental essays.She had an ability to pick up on simple, yet detrimental writing mistakes in my essays that truly helped transform my final product. She was also able to comment on the general themes of my essays, providing me with feedback to better specify and strengthen my explanation of personal experiences. I would absolutely recommend Mrs. L to other students!

Koby, NDHS // Rutgers

I would highly recommend Mrs. Luedeke. She was incredibly helpful and accommodating especially when I was still making changes up until the night before the deadline and she still found the time to read over my essay and help make final changes. She helped guide and put me on the right path especially when I was just starting out and had way too many ideas of what to write about and too many stories within my essay. I wouldn't have been able to do it without Mrs. Luedeke's help and guidance along the way.

Sofia, NDHS // Louisiana State University

Writing an essay for college could have been an even more stressful task for my son, since he has dysgraphia. Val made the process pleasant with her easygoing way of offering feedback. She is very patient and took as much time needed to help him perfect his essay, and bring out the best in his writing. I wholeheartedly recommend Val.

JANE, mother
Steven, HVRSD // Ithaca College

The feedback Mrs. Luedeke gave to me was extremely helpful. The admissions team at not onlyMontclair, but other colleges I applied to told me that my essay was perfectly written, followed a clear storyline, and the way I told the story made the reader feel like they were truly present in the events of my life.

Sophia, NDHS // Montclair State U.

I would absolutely recommend you! You were patient, and instead of trying to change my ideas or the messages that I wanted to convey, you worked with me to problem solve for the way to turn my thoughts into the words that would best represent those ideas.

HVRSD // Skidmore College

The feedback and editing Mrs. Luedeke provided for me was so helpful! She was so encouraging andI was so lucky to have her assistance when writing my college essay. I would 100% recommend Mrs.Luedeke to anyone looking for help with writing! She is super sweet and wants you to do the best that you can do.

Kildea, Woodgrove High School, Virginia // James Madison University

I appreciated having the perspective of someone who has been on the other side of the college admissions process. I felt like the suggestions not only improved the quality of my writing and storytelling, but would serve the rest of my application well in front of an admissions counselor.

Hopewell Valley Central High School // American University

Very helpful in shaping the ideas of reluctant writers. Responsive and flexible with support. Great knowledge of the process and expectations that helped the boys feel confident in what they had produced.

Abi, mother
Eliot HVCHS Class of 2020 // Northeastern
Josh HVCHS Class of 2021 // University of Delaware fall 2021
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes you different/better than other college essay coaches?

My experiences at Princeton University taught me what a strong essay looks like and what distinguishes one essay from the pack. Also, throughout my 15+ years as a writing teacher, I have developed a nuanced approach for crafting essays that yields strong results. Teaching all different levels of high school English, I am able to reach many types of learners and can scaffold my approach as necessary. I can help you find your voice. Through my gentle guidance and prompting, students will progress in manageable stages and craft their best work.

How long should my college essay be?

If you are referring to your common app essay, it should not exceed 650 words. It also should not be much shorter than 550 words. Supplemental essays may run shorter; the directions with the prompt should indicate desired length.

Can I use the same essay for each application?

If it works, you sure can. Many schools accept the common application, so you will be able to use that essay for every common app school to which you apply. Many schools, however, have their own supplemental essay or essays that they will ask you to write in addition to the common app essay. If you can use any of your supplemental essays at more than one school, do it! It makes sense to ease your burden, and it will not hurt you in any way.

What if my essay topic seems to fit more than one prompt? How do I know which one to select?

It doesn’t matter at all. Just pick one and write your essay. Which prompt you pick, and how or to what extent your essay answers it really isn’t important. Your essay should be able to stand on its own independent of the question, so no one will need to study which prompt you answered before they read your essay. Your essay will not be evaluated in terms of how it answers a particular question.

Do I need to have an introduction and thesis statement?

No, you don’t! Enjoy the freedom you have with this essay. You do not need five paragraphs either.

Is it okay to be “political” in my essay?

While it is not technically wrong to address politically sensitive topics in your essay, I would discourage you from doing so. You don’t know who will read your essay on the other side. Additionally, it is best to focus on revealing something about yourself.

Contact ME

Get in Touch

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
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Hopewell, NJ
Phone Number: CALL: (609) 510-9989
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Your editing and feedback were very helpful because I struggle with grammar and choosing the correct words to explain my thinking. Your editing suggestions helped frame my thinking, so I could convey what I wanted my universities to understand. You also gave different ways of wording phrases that would provide a different perspective of my topic which gave a clearer image of what I wanted to convey. I would definitely recommend your assistance to others because you reply very fast to questions about your editing suggestions or reviewing changes I have made to my essay.

Victoria, Hopewell Valley Central High School // Boston University

The feedback and editing that Mrs. Luedeke provided was extremely helpful during my college essay writing process. The comments she provided not only related to both minor and major grammar errors, but was also content related to make sure my essay read in a coherent manner, answered the prompt to the best it could, and got across my message in the most effective way.

Julia, Notre Dame High School // Tulane University

Mrs. Luedeke has always taken the time to review my essays in depth and provided thoughtful
comments and suggestions that made me view the topics I wrote about in a new light. I was very
happy with my college essay after consulting with her and would recommend her assistance to
anyone!

Isabella, Notre Dame High School // NYU

Mrs. Luedeke provided me the extra help I needed to take my writing to the next level. Her assistance helped me get accepted to top universities and colleges across the Nation. I would highly recommend Mrs. Luedeke to help with any and all writing.

Andrew, Notre Dame High School // Villanova University

Sam had a great experience working with you and your feedback and guidance was extremely helpful. I think you have a gift of giving direction and correction in a clear, gentle, supportive way while being very respectful of the student’s own voice.

Sarah, mom
Sam, HVRSD class of 2020 // Ursinus College

I was unbelievably stressed out about the college application process, especially my essay. Once I began working with Mrs. Luedeke, I was quickly relieved of that stress. You broke it down step by step and continued to work with me until you thought the essay was good and I was ready to turn it in. You responded very quickly to all of my emails which was also very helpful, especially as deadlines approach quicker than I thought they would.

Brielle, Notre Dame High School // Monmouth University

I had a lot of different ideas in my essay, and you were able to give me your genuine thoughts, which were very helpful in narrowing my essay down to its final form. I would definitely recommend your assistance to others. It was extremely obvious that you had great experience in the college essay field and dedication to me throughout my essay writing process.

NDHS // University of Pittsburgh

Sam had a great experience working with you and your feedback and guidance was extremely helpful. I think you have a gift of giving direction and correction in a clear, gentle, supportive way while being very respectful of the student’s own voice.

Sarah, mom
Sam HVRSD class of 2020 // Ursinus College

I don't think I would have been able to get into all of the schools I applied to if it wasn't for you. I would recommend your assistance to others because you really helped me to develop my essay.

NDHS // The College of New Jersey

The feedback and editing Mrs. L provided was extremely beneficial as her guidance helped me to strengthen the overall message behind my college essay. Specifically, Mrs. L was extremely helpful in pointing out grammatical errors throughout the initial copy of my essay which would have appeared unprofessional if not corrected. Not only was the way in which she formatted corrections in my essay beneficial to my essay as a whole, the in-depth explanations she gave to each edit can be applied to any student’s writing in the future. I would 100% recommend Mrs. L to any student trying to navigate the college application process as her guidance was imperative in my success of getting into college.

Robbinsville High School // Northeastern University

Mrs. Luedeke's feedback was absolutely wonderful in developing my college supplemental essays.She had an ability to pick up on simple, yet detrimental writing mistakes in my essays that truly helped transform my final product. She was also able to comment on the general themes of my essays, providing me with feedback to better specify and strengthen my explanation of personal experiences. I would absolutely recommend Mrs. L to other students!

Koby, NDHS // Rutgers

I would highly recommend Mrs. Luedeke. She was incredibly helpful and accommodating especially when I was still making changes up until the night before the deadline and she still found the time to read over my essay and help make final changes. She helped guide and put me on the right path especially when I was just starting out and had way too many ideas of what to write about and too many stories within my essay. I wouldn't have been able to do it without Mrs. Luedeke's help and guidance along the way.

Sofia, NDHS // Louisiana State University

Writing an essay for college could have been an even more stressful task for my son, since he has dysgraphia. Val made the process pleasant with her easygoing way of offering feedback. She is very patient and took as much time needed to help him perfect his essay, and bring out the best in his writing. I wholeheartedly recommend Val.

JANE, mother
Steven, HVRSD // Ithaca College

The feedback Mrs. Luedeke gave to me was extremely helpful. The admissions team at not onlyMontclair, but other colleges I applied to told me that my essay was perfectly written, followed a clear storyline, and the way I told the story made the reader feel like they were truly present in the events of my life.

Sophia, NDHS // Montclair State U.

I would absolutely recommend you! You were patient, and instead of trying to change my ideas or the messages that I wanted to convey, you worked with me to problem solve for the way to turn my thoughts into the words that would best represent those ideas.

HVRSD // Skidmore College

The feedback and editing Mrs. Luedeke provided for me was so helpful! She was so encouraging andI was so lucky to have her assistance when writing my college essay. I would 100% recommend Mrs.Luedeke to anyone looking for help with writing! She is super sweet and wants you to do the best that you can do.

Kildea, Woodgrove High School, Virginia // James Madison University

I appreciated having the perspective of someone who has been on the other side of the college admissions process. I felt like the suggestions not only improved the quality of my writing and storytelling, but would serve the rest of my application well in front of an admissions counselor.

Hopewell Valley Central High School // American University

Very helpful in shaping the ideas of reluctant writers. Responsive and flexible with support. Great knowledge of the process and expectations that helped the boys feel confident in what they had produced.

Abi, mother
Eliot HVCHS Class of 2020 // Northeastern
Josh HVCHS Class of 2021 // University of Delaware fall 2021
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