FAQs

I help students figure out what to write about and then how to write it well. The first part is usually harder than the second. Most students think the goal is finding an impressive topic; the real work is figuring out how you've grown or what you've come to understand about yourself — and then finding the story that lets a reader see it.

All of it. The Common App essay gets the most attention, but supplements often matter more than people realize, and the activities list and short answers are where a lot of students lose ground without knowing it.

I'm happy to do an initial meeting in person if you're local to Austin. After that, sessions work best online — we can edit the document together in real time, which is hard to replicate in person.

Yes. Most of my students are not in Texas.

Students who are ready to dig deep — to spend time looking beyond the obvious answer, to think about their writing, not just make the suggested edits. I'm not the right coach if you're looking for a quick fix. I am the right coach for a student who wants a genuinely thoughtful, insightful essay that admissions committees will want to read.

I know parents are curious and concerned, but I find I get the best results when parents trust the process. I'll keep you up to date and will quickly notify you if there are any issues. In addition, while they are working with me, I ask that no one else weigh in mid-process. Too many cooks results in an unfocused essay that loses its distinct point of view. Parents are encouraged to read the final draft — I just need the middle to be ours.

I reserve a few reduced-fee spots each cycle. Please reach out — I believe every student should be able to submit an application they are proud of.

No, no one can. What I can do is help your student write the strongest, truest version of their application — and help you think about what school is right for your specific student.

Often, yes — but students need to be prepared to start over. Sometimes a draft is a good starting point and we work from there. Sometimes we find that the topic isn't working, so we set it aside and start fresh. All I ask is that students come with an open mind and a willingness to work until it's right.

Good. That's where most of my students start, and finding the topic is some of the most interesting work we do together.

Probably not. I have a quick turnaround. It depends on how quickly students can respond and rewrite.