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.
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.
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.
I can help you if:
I can help you if:
I can help you if:
What my students and their parents have to say:
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, you don’t! Enjoy the freedom you have with this essay. You do not need five paragraphs either.
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.