Tutoring Plans that Work
Our approach is designed to take most of the stress out of the process, and to help students avoid scrambling as admissions deadlines near.
5-Step Essay Writing Process
Crafting a great college application essay can feel overwhelming! But with a structured, step-by-step approach, the process becomes much more manageable, relatively low-stress, and dare-I-say, even enjoyable.
This process doesn’t just aim to get the essays written—it focuses on bringing out the student’s unique voice and showcasing their academic potential in a compelling way. Here’s the process I follow:
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Step 1: Brainstorming Unique Themes
I start by getting to know the student through conversations, exploring their interests, experiences, and aspirations. Together, we identify personal stories, themes, and angles that are authentic to the student but also aligned with the college essay's prompts. This step is crucial in finding a focus that will resonate with admissions officers and reveal the student’s true character and strengths. -
Step 2: Getting Thoughts Down on "Paper"
Once a theme is chosen, the goal is to get initial thoughts down in writing. This stage is about generating ideas without judgment—just getting words out. It’s the foundation for the essay and doesn't need to be well-organized yet. -
Step 3: Crafting the First Draft
Using the rough ideas from Step 2, I help student shape those ideas into a coherent first draft. The focus here is on answering the essay prompt clearly, ensuring there is a logical flow, and showcasing the student’s unique voice. At this stage, the essay is still evolving. -
Step 4: Review and Second Draft
After reviewing the first draft, I provide feedback on content, structure, and tone. More importantly, we review whether the essay not only reads well, but whether it effectively answers the essay prompt and positions the student as a great candidate (it's all too easy to write a great essay that doesn't give admissions counselors what they actually need). This stage focuses on making sure the essay answers the prompt, in addition to addressing grammar, flow and readability. -
Step 5: Final Edits and Polishing
With the second draft in hand, I help the student polish their essay, focusing on word choice, sentence structure, and grammar. This final step ensures clarity, readability, and impact, making sure the student's voice shines through and the essay and leaves a lasting (positive) impression.
Get Started Today
Every family’s needs are different, which is why I offer a flexible, pay-as-you-go structure with no upfront billing or contracts. My goal is to provide support that truly benefits your student, and I’m confident you’ll see the difference in my personalized, step-by-step approach.
The first step is easy. It starts with a free initial phone consultation. This gives us a chance to discuss your student’s specific needs and goals, and to determine if my services are a good fit. It’s an opportunity for you to ask questions, understand my process, and decide if you’d like to move forward.
But starting early is key! I want to help your student avoid the last-minute rush once admissions deadlines near. And as you might expect, my availability tends to fill up as those deadlines approach, so it’s important to reserve time as soon as possible.
To learn more or schedule your free consultation, simply fill out the form below. I look forward to talking to you!
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