Frequently Asked Questions

For Students

I have a 4.6 GPA, took eight AP classes, and got a perfect SAT score. Isn’t that enough to get into any school I want?

Maybe. However, if you are applying to the Ivies or schools with similarly low acceptance rates, you will be competing with students with similar scores. And with many schools eliminating their SAT/ACT requirements, the other parts of your application become more important. You need to stand out with exceptional essays and an impressive activities list, so the hard work isn’t done quite yet.

I have a 3.4 GPA and didn’t take any AP classes. Will my essays matter?

Yes! Your grades and scores do not tell your whole story. Many students’ potential success in college is not borne out by their high school record. Your essays are the place where you can write about all of those intangible qualities that show that you are the well-rounded person that many schools want as part of their community.

Why is the activities list so important?

The activities list is an incredibly important part of your application, equal in weight to the essays. Your transcript, activities list, and essays should give admissions readers a whole, well-balanced picture that reflects your academic success, your extracurricular life, and your traits and qualities. The list and the essays should complement each other but should not repeat any information, so it’s a great idea to work on the list first and then flesh out your story in the essays.

I have been recruited as an athlete. Will my university even read my essays?

Yes. Much depends on your specific situation and offer, but even students who have been recruited must still apply for admission (and for some schools, admission is still not guaranteed). Many factors determine how much preferential treatment you get—the school, the sport, and how heavily you are being recruited. Also, you do not want to neglect potential academic scholarships, some of which are awarded based on your entire application.

Will you rewrite my essays?

No. Your essays are your own. Admissions officers can smell a counselor- or parent-written essay a mile away. I will help you find your authentic voice to tell your honest, insightful story. That’s the one readers want to hear.

Can you guarantee that with your help I will get into my dream school?

I wish I could! Unfortunately, no one can guarantee that. What I can do is help you present yourself in the best light, showcasing all of your accomplishments and talents.

Do you work with students with learning differences?

Definitely. My oldest son has autism, so I understand the unique strengths and challenges that come along with learning differences, and over the years I have worked with many on the spectrum, with ADHD, and other executive-functioning challenges. I can help structure a schedule and provide support that sets you up to succeed throughout this process. And, if you choose to, I can work with you on how to disclose any challenges you have in an essay or how to put them in context with the rest of your application.

How will we communicate?

Our meetings will take place over Zoom. I am easily accessible by phone and email. I like to use Google docs for the essays since it’s easy to collaborate and we don’t have to worry about version control. I will send reminders via text.

I have to submit my application next week. Is it too late to get help?

Waiting until the last minute isn’t a great idea, but it happens. I won’t be able to help you as much as I could if we’d been working together for some time; however, I can give you some suggestions for improvement that you can make in a reasonable amount of time, make sure that you aren’t over your word limits, and proofread your material for you.

For Parents

There’s a college counselor at my student’s school. Isn’t that enough?

College counselors, either at your student’s school or one that you hire privately, will shepherd your student through the process from test prep to selecting appropriate schools and requesting letters of recommendation. School counselors have high caseloads that may prevent them from spending as much time with your student as you’d like. By all means, your student should meet with their counselor. Counselors have the inside scoop on which colleges are a good fit and counselors (and trusted teachers) should definitely read the essays too. However, I can give your student as much added attention as they need or want.

How long with this process take?

I cannot give a definitive answer because the time will vary depending on how early in the process I’m involved and how many essays I review. Most schools require the Coalition or Common App essay (most students choose to apply through the Common App), along with two or three short supplemental essays. The University of California asks students to answer four Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). So, for example, if I was involved with brainstorming a topic for the Common App essay and topics for two supplemental essays, that could take an hour. Brainstorming for the four UC PIQs and mining for activities list entries might take another hour. I can review one draft of several essays and write up feedback in about a half an hour, and going over the comments with your student over Zoom could take another half an hour. I’m sorry I cannot be more precise, but that should give you a general idea of how long each step takes.

Is a proofreader really necessary?

Yes. Another set of eyes on any important piece of writing is imperative. As an editor and proofreader of college textbooks, I have worked with experts in their fields from English to organic chemistry, and every one needed an editor and a proofreader.

Do parents participate in the process?

Your level of involvement is up to you and your child. This is a very stressful time for both parents and students, and maybe the best thing parents can do at this time is to be supportive and cheerlead while I coach this part of the process. However, since you know your child better than anyone, participating in brainstorming can be immensely helpful. You might remember events or details that your child has forgotten. I’m flexible about your involvement and I would encourage you to follow your student’s lead.

How will we communicate? Will I get updates?

Depending on what you work out with your child, I can send you periodic or scheduled progress updates. I am easily accessible by phone, email, or text.