The college essay is becoming an increasingly important part of the college application, and for many students the process can be overwhelming and intimidating. However, this is not the time to procrastinate, as fall application deadlines approach quickly and the college essay writing load can be extensive. I work with students to manage their college writing, brainstorm for topics, write outlines, and create essays that they feel reflect who they are and what they want to say about themselves. My goal is for each student to submit college essays they are proud of and that they feel best represents them, their experiences, and their character. I believe that all students are writers, regardless of what they believe about themselves, and the college essay is an opportunity for each student to express something unique about themselves that will set them apart in the admissions process.

I am a seasoned essay specialist who works with students on all phases of writing a college essay, from brainstorming to proofreading. A longtime writer, editor, and college writing instructor, I have specialize in one-on-one writing instruction and enjoy helping students write with confidence. As a writing teacher, I draw from what I have learned over decades of writing and publishing myself.

I work with students from all levels. My 2021-22 students were accepted to a wide range of schools including Harvard, MIT, Rice, Northwestern, UC Berkeley, The New School, University of Illinois, Boston University, UNC Chapel Hill, Furman, NC State, and University of Georgia. I am invested in every student I work with, eagerly await spring college decisions, and celebrate each student's college choice.

I work one-on-one with students, either online or in-person. The online format has proven extremely effective through the past two years and allows me and my students to meet conveniently without sacrificing personal interaction.

I typically meet with students a minimum of four times to complete a common app essay, including brainstorming, outlining, and revision sessions. I offer extensive feedback on drafts, both written and verbal, and will meet with students as many times as it takes to complete their essay.

Worried about a timeline? I set deadlines and make schedules with students to ensure they finish the essay in a timely manner. I typically recommend expecting to spend between one and two weeks to finish a common app essay.

That's fine!

A college essay does not have to fit a pre-determined format, and I encourage students to write about what matter to them and what best expresses who they are. Sometimes, that means essays cover serious topics; other times, they are light-hearted and funny. No topic is off limits, even the ones that may seem trite or over-written. College admissions officers say it's not what students write, but how they express themselves that matters.

The best ideas come from extensive brainstorming, and I work with students on this step until they have an idea they are excited to write about.

Here are some of my favorite student common app topics from the past few years.

• A student's devotion to her favorite neon green sweatpants, demonstrating her confidence, sense of humor, and full embrace of life.

• How a student maintained a meaningful relationship with her grandfather through handwritten letters, showing her devotion to family, rich inner life, and lovely writing style.

• How a student spent years avoiding being in pictures, later realizing that she was missing from her family and friend's photo albums. The essay showed significant self-awareness and openness to change.

• A student who adapted to partial hearing loss at a young age by becoming hyper-aware of the visual aspects of life and beautifully expressing that through her love for art and her own artistic pursuits.

• A student who wrote about the benefits and downfalls of his unique name, ultimately embracing it as an integral part of his identity.

• A competitive diver who suffered a debilitating mental block after landing on the board during a practice dive and how he eventually was forced to walk away from a sport he loved.

• A student who loved watching competitive eating contests on TV with his dad, demonstrating a fun and endearing family bond.

• How a student responded to vandalization of her artwork on display in the school's art classroom, showing resilience, a willingness to speak up for herself, and a strong point of view.