Marty Minchin

Essay Coach
I can help with:
all types of college application essays summer program applicationsprivate school admissions essayswriting contestsacademic essays

Need help on your essays?

I am based in Charlotte, N.C., and can meet in-person locally or over Zoom from anywhere. After a career in journalism, I've spent the last eight years teaching college-level writing and working one-on-one with high school students on college essay writing. I can work with students on any type of admissions or academic essay writing, and I offer a free consultation and a range of services. 

The college essay is an important part of the college application, and for many students the process can be overwhelming and intimidating. 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 2students have been accepted to a wide range of schools including Harvard, UNC Chapel Hill, MIT, Rice, Northwestern, UC Berkeley, USC, University of Chicago, The New School, University of Illinois, Boston University, NC State, Cornell, 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. 

How does it work? 

I work one-on-one with students, either online or in-person. 

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.

If you have no idea where to start...

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.