Confused about where to start? Feeling stuck?
Don't panic! Email me!
What I Do
Writing your college essay can be a daunting task. These 650 words or less – your personal statement to colleges – will be one of the most important pieces of writing you’ve done in your life up until this point. Um, feeling nervous? Under pressure? You betcha. You don’t have to face a blank page alone. I am here to coach you through it.
How I Help
Helping students write their college essay is one of my absolute favorite things to do. I'm serious! I was an English teacher for many years, and I'm also a published author and essayist, so I have experience as both a writer and as an educator. I believe this makes me uniquely qualified to coach students in the art and craft of essay writing.
As your personal writing coach and tutor, I can help you with as much or as little as you need. My services include packages and individual hourly sessions that focus on:
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Brainstorming possible topics from your life experiences
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Mining stories that best illustrate who you are
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Helping you narrow down Common Application and/or Coalition essay questions to find the best fit for you
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Drafting that first draft
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Revising at all stages, from rough first draft, to solid second draft, to deeper third draft to the final polished piece
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Editing existing essays and helping you identify what works and strengthen what does not
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Enjoying the writing process (I’m not kidding)
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Growing your skills as a writer, so that you can take what you’ve learned and apply it to future essay writing
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Helping you craft great short essays for specific school prompts
Julie’s help was instrumental in relieving the stress and insecurity that the college application process can bring
ELIZABETH,
MOTHER OF BARRINGTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
College Essay Writing Tips
01
Start Early
Good writing takes time. Start working on your college essay during the summer before your senior year, if you can.
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Read It Out Loud
Listening to yourself reading your essay aloud will help you understand what is clear and what is confusing.
05
Forget About It
After working on a draft, put it away for a while. Come back to it with fresh eyes a few days (or a week) later; once you have some distance you’ll be a better judge of your work.
02
Don't Be Boring
Don’t start with the end in mind, write to find out what you actually have to say. Let your writing surprise and inspire you.
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Get Feedback
A trusted friend, sibling, or parent can help you figure out what you want to say and help you be authentic because they know you so well.
06
Cut, Cut, Cut
You only have 650 words for the Common App essay. Make them say just what you want. You may “love” the words, but you need to be ruthless as an editor.
Listen Up!
Tune in to this podcast for more insights about me, tips, and tricks of the trade!