AK reached out just a few weeks before his deadline and we had to start from scratch. We strategized topic ideas for the Common App and made sure the Columbia supplements were completely unique to the college and also just as creative as the Common App. He met every urgent deadline and we went through as many as six revisions to get it right. I couldn't be prouder of his success when he texted me the news: "I got into Columbia!!! Thank you so much for helping me with my essays and bringing them to perfection!! I don't think I’ve ever been proud of any piece of writing as my Common App essay...Thank you again!!!" So of course, I asked him to elaborate and he graciously wrote me this:

"Being a STEM-related student, I've always had trouble with writing. Yelena knew exactly what to do so that I could freely and clearly speak my mind in my essays. She guided me through creative directions so we could find the write one for me. Her knowledge of how the admissions essays work allowed for us to focus on the important aspects of the essay and leave out the fluff. In addition, Yelena made my essays very interesting with bits of (effective) humor and storytelling that made my essays stand out. Overall, Yelena was able to unleash the creative side of my writing and add life to my otherwise monotonous essays."

-AK, accepted to Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)