Hi there! If you found me, you’re already one step ahead of the game. I’m not just a proofreader or editor: I’m your one-stop-shop personal essay strategist.
My Ivy League Bona Fides
I graduated from Columbia University magna cum laude with a Comparative Literature degree. (I was also accepted to Stanford University, UCLA, UC Berkeley & Wellesley College). My admissions essay beat 40,000 seniors to win the $100,000 Campbell’s Soup scholarship. Since then, I’ve spent over 10 years as a writer for publications like the New York Times & more.
My 4-Step Editing System
With my unique 4-step system, you can pick & choose the services tailored to your needs. The customized editing options work for any student, from the ambitious sophomore who could use a branding session to narrow down her topic (Step 1) to the novelist senior who just needs help proofreading & cutting 500 words (Step 4). Get all 4 & score a discount.
My Live Essay Workshops
My affordable online workshops recreate my 4-step writing system in a small group setting. Live edits provide hands-on help with everything from finding your essay topic to editing your draft. Every workshop is catered to the students who sign up, so lesson plans will be customized to meet students where they are. Space is limited to ensure personalized support.
“Yelena helped me take the abstract ideas that were in my head and put them on a sheet of paper. She helped me through the complex challenge of putting my lived experience into a format that other people could understand.Within several weeks, my essay went from a somewhat forgettable story to a memorable and impactful snapshot into my life. Without Yelena's help and support throughout the process, I don't think I would have ever gotten here.”—Sam, accepted to Harvard University