Frequently Asked Questions - College Admission Essays

I specialize in helping students craft compelling admission essays for colleges and universities. My process includes brainstorming sessions to uncover powerful personal stories, structuring essays to meet specific college requirements, and providing detailed feedback through multiple revisions until each essay authentically represents the student's unique voice and experiences. I work with students on personal statements, supplemental essays, scholarship applications, and any other written components of their college applications. 

College admissions have become increasingly competitive, and essays are often the deciding factor between qualified candidates. I provide focused, individualized attention to essay development that busy school counselors typically cannot offer. I understand what admissions officers look for across different types of institutions and help students avoid common pitfalls while showcasing their authentic selves. My expertise lies in helping students identify their most compelling stories and present them in ways that resonate with admissions committees. 

I recommend starting the essay process during the summer before senior year or early fall, giving us 3-4 months to develop strong applications. This timeline allows for proper brainstorming, multiple drafts, and revisions without the stress of rushed deadlines. I typically work with students through 3-5 major essay revisions over several months, ensuring each piece authentically represents their experiences and goals while meeting the specific requirements of their target colleges. 

I serve as a guide and developmental editor, never a ghostwriter. Authenticity is crucial because admissions officers can easily detect manufactured stories or essay-writing service content. I help students identify genuine experiences and achievements - whether in academics, extracurriculars, work, or personal challenges - and articulate how these experiences have shaped their character and goals. The final essays must reflect the student's true voice while demonstrating the qualities colleges value most. 

Every student and situation is different so I tailor my services hourly allowing for more flexibility to the student and parents. Please reach out to me to discuss the rate and recommended hours needed to achieve success.

Leadership comes in many forms beyond traditional roles. I help students identify and articulate leadership moments in academics, sports, community service, family responsibilities, or overcoming personal challenges. 

While parents often initiate contact and handle logistics, the essay development process focuses on the student. I encourage parents to support but students should own their application story. Some colleges require interviews, and this will only help them formulate the best answers possible.

I specialize in helping students craft compelling admission essays and personal statements for all five U.S. Military Service Academies: West Point (Army), Naval Academy (Navy), Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy. My process includes developing powerful essays that demonstrate leadership potential, service commitment, and military readiness, as well as preparing materials for congressional and senatorial nominations. I work with students through multiple revisions to ensure their applications authentically showcase the character, integrity, and dedication that Service Academies seek in future military officers. 

Military Service Academy applications are fundamentally different from civilian college admissions. Beyond exceptional academic performance, these institutions evaluate leadership potential, physical fitness, moral character, and genuine commitment to military service and a career as a military officer. The essay requirements focus heavily on demonstrating these qualities through specific examples of leadership, service, and character under pressure. Additionally, most Service Academy applicants must secure nominations from congressional representatives, senators, or other authorized sources, which requires separate application materials and interviews. The entire process is more comprehensive, competitive, and begins earlier than traditional college applications. 

The Military Service Academy application process typically begins in junior year and extends through senior year. Congressional nominations have separate deadlines (dependent on Congressional member), while academy applications are due in winter/spring. I recommend starting our work together during junior year or early senior year to allow adequate time for the nomination process and multiple essay revisions. The nomination essays and academy applications require deep reflection on leadership experiences and military commitment, which cannot be rushed. 

Drawing from my West Point experience, I help students identify and articulate genuine leadership experiences that demonstrate their potential as future military officers. I know firsthand what type of character and leadership the academies develop because I experienced that transformation myself. This includes moments where students have shown integrity under pressure, led teams through challenges, demonstrated physical and mental resilience, or committed to serving others. Having lived through West Point's leadership development, I can help students understand and convey the mindset and values that academy admissions boards seek in future cadets. 

Military Service Academy applicants must receive a nomination from their congressional representative, senator, or other authorized sources (such as the President or Vice President for exceptional cases). This nomination doesn't guarantee admission but is required for consideration. Each nomination source can nominate up to 15 candidates per academy, and the academies select from these nominated pools. The nomination process includes separate applications, essays, and often interviews that focus on the candidate's leadership potential, academic achievement, and commitment to military service. 

I assist students in preparing compelling nomination applications that include personal statements, leadership essays, and materials for nomination interviews. These applications must demonstrate why the student deserves their representative's endorsement for a Service Academy appointment. I help students articulate their leadership experiences, community service, academic achievements, and genuine motivation for military service in ways that resonate with congressional staff and nomination committees. The goal is to present the student as someone who will represent their Congressional member with honor as a future military officer. 

Every student and situation is different so I tailor my services hourly allowing for more flexibility to the student and parents. Please reach out to me to discuss the rate and recommended hours needed to achieve success.