My 4-Step Editing System
My easy-to-follow system will guide you through the writing process step by step for the best admissions essay. In this proven process, each step builds on the previous one for the smoothest writing experience.
If you prefer to use the system à la carte, my customized editing options work for anyone, from the ambitious sophomore who could use a branding session to narrow down her topic (Steps 1 & 2 aka the Topic Analysis) to the aspiring novelist senior who just needs help proofreading & cutting 500 words (Steps 3 + 4 aka the One-Time Edit). I don't recommend this for struggling writers, because multiple steps may have to be repeated or started from scratch.
In addition to the services outlined below, I will act as both editor and project manager. I will help you set deadlines and send out calendar reminders to keep you organized, so you stay on track.
I can only take on a small number of students each month, so please don't hesitate to reach out to me for pricing.
TOPIC ANALYSIS: Steps 1 + 2
Step 1: Choosing The Topic
This is a crucial starting point not to be overlooked: if your topic does not enhance the rest of your application, it doesn’t matter how beautiful your language is. Luckily, that's where I come in. First, I will interview you to find the unique angle that will help differentiate you. Second, I will study your application to discover what it's missing that should be explained. Third, I will help you brand your application to every school: we will cater each essay to each college and choose the topic strategically for each application.
Step 2: First Draft Outline
Once we decide on your topic, I’ll help you come up with an outline and narrative for your essay, complete with interviews to draw out the most compelling anecdotes and quotes that make the essay come to life. We will also brainstorm opening and closing hooks, as these are the most important for leaving a lasting impression with admissions officers.
LIVE WORKSHOP EDIT: Steps 3 + 4
Step 3: First Revision
This is where we’ll focus on refining the language, drawing out the most vivid storytelling, and making sure you have a riveting narrative arc while still impressing the admissions team with unique characteristics that help you stand out. This is also where we see the outline come alive, so this step may need to be repeated depending on how successful the revisions are.
Step 4: Final Proofreading
The final step in any essay: correcting for spelling, punctuation, grammar, and what even the best writers struggle with—word count.
SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS
Some students make the mistake of assuming these 150-350 word short essay can be dashed off quickly. However, these additional short essays are still a key to showing your personality and standing out. Submitting a super polished personal statement with a careless short answer is a big red flag. Though short in word count, these supplemental essays should still be strategized per college and treated with the same diligence, proofreading, and savvy as your personal statement.
TRANSFER ESSAYS
For some students, transferring colleges can be more competitive than applying during a regular admissions cycle. The transfer application essay requires a specific mastery of explaining your transfer objectives without sounding negative — no easy task when you’re unhappy at your current college. My editing services help students avoid common transfer essay mistakes including dismissing their current college, not showing growth since high school, and not including clear objectives for your new desired college.
WAITLIST LETTERS
Many of my clients have been accepted after sending a successful waitlist letter or what’s known as a “letter of continued interest.” Together, we will workshop a successful waitlist letter that will make an impression using proven writing techniques and creative strategies to show demonstrated interest and discuss how to provide any updates since your original application submission.
RESUME & ACTIVITIES LIST
Just as important as your essays, the resume and Common App Activities List is another chance to showcase your writing skills with brevity and clarity. Together, we will workshop your language to sound clear while editing for word count to ensure you are meeting the character limits without cutting anything important. We will distill the most relevant aspects of your extracurriculars, jobs, and leadership positions, in addition to adding any other activities at home (like caretaking of siblings) which may shed a new light on your application.
INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS
If you’re applying to competitive internship or volunteer opportunities that require essays as part of the application, don’t hesitate to reach out. The same principles of creative writing skills and strategy will apply to these short- and long-form essays. Best part? They’re great practice for the Common App statement essay because they help teach you how to write about yourself in a creative and impressive way without sounding too braggy.
LIVE ESSAY WORKSHOPS
My affordable online workshops recreate my 4-step writing system in a small group setting from the comfort of your screen. Live virtual edits provide hands-on help with everything from finding your essay topic to editing your rough draft. Every workshop is catered to the students who sign up, so lesson plans will be modified and customized to meet students where they are. Space is limited to ensure personalized support.