ONE-ON-ONE SERVICES
I enjoy motivating both high achievers and less-driven students to fulfill their potential as writers and as well-informed, well-qualified applicants to college. Whatever your level of writing proficiency—and wherever you live—the following six services are available.
Email either a sample of your writing (up to 650 words) or an essay you write in response to one of the prompts available via the PDF icon. I'll return your submission as soon as possible—usually within a few days—with 45 minutes of feedback pointing out your writing's key strengths and weaknesses. Online follow-up sessions are available to discuss next steps.
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Written feedback = $75
It's not surprising that overextended teachers give inadequate attention to their students' essays. More often than not, a grade and a few comments are all the feedback that students receive for their writing efforts. Rewrites, however, are essential to become a better writer, In a 50-minute session, viewing a shared Google or Word doc, we'll discuss in depth a piece of your writing. We'll focus on thought precision, word choice, and sentence structure variety—word by word,
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Virtual one-on-one conversation = $75
Option A: JUMP START YOUR COMMON-APP ESSAY
Together, for 75 minutes, with the help of PowerPoint slides, we'll clarify the role of the essay in the application process and the expectations of college-admissions officials; analyze prompts; generate initial content ideas; discuss how to structure the essay; and determine a timeline for completing the essay with minimal stress. We'll also take a peek at supplemental essays.
Virtual one-on-one conversation = $125
Option B: FLEXIBLE GUIDANCE FOR COMMON-APP AND/OR SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS
It depends how far along in the process a student is when I'm contacted, so call, text, WhatsApp, or email me to discuss procedure and fee.
Most seniors in high school are caught off guard by the demands of applying to college, especially the kind of essay writing required. While deadlines near and other responsibilities pile up, they scramble to complete their applications. For 75 minutes, when there's less on your academic and extracurricular plates, we'll explore what's in store, tailored to your needs and current understanding of the process. Before focusing on personal statements (including supplemental essays), we can first cover topics such as the ACT vs. SAT, choosing a major, building a college list, the five types of admission, the sections of the Common Application, and what colleges look for in applicants. An engaging PowerPoint presentation will provide a foundation for our discussion. For sophomores, it's a lower-key, 'get-your-feet-wet' discussion.
Virtual one-on-one session = $100
Send me an invitation to share your Google doc. We'll connect via Zoom, FaceTime, or audio call and work on your school assignment as a team while viewing the document at the same time. The goal is to achieve an error-free, polished draft representing the best work I can squeeze out of you.
Virtual one-on-one conversation = $20 for each 15-minute block of time
Option A: In a 50-minute session, we'll look at sample ACT essay prompts and discuss how to put together an effective response using logic and evidence. The lesson is based on your specific knowledge and skill level.
Virtual one-on-one lesson = $75
Option B: Following the 50-minute session described above, you'll write a 40-minute practice essay. After you share it with me, I'll provide detailed, written feedback in a week or less.
Virtual one-on-one lesson + written feedback = $125