College Essay Optimization
Providing services to help your student stand out and gain admission to the college of his or her choice.
Your student writes the essay. I interview, coach and edit, with 30 years as a journalist and television news reporter behind every question, so your son or daughter can “come alive” to the admissions reader.
Complimentary consultation · Fair Haven, NJ · yourfinaldraftessay@gmail.com
Don't think the college essay is relevant? Think again.
Top tier admissions decision makers say test scores, grades and course work are important, but your essay can make the difference between admission and rejection.
A reporter's instinct for your student's story
As a Journalist and Television News Reporter with 30 years of experience in short and long form writing for multimedia platforms, I want to help your aspiring college student define, design and create his or her best possible essay.
- 30 yearsas a journalist and television news reporter
- 5,000+succinct, deadline driven stories written
I've had the opportunity to interview Joe Biden, Beyoncé, Barbara Bush, President Bill Clinton and Bon Jovi as well as victims and survivors, heroes and homeless people, telling their stories with compelling, rich words.
Your student's essay, in your student's voice
It starts with an in depth interview of your son or daughter. Together, we uncover passions, interests and philosophy, then zero in on a suitable essay topic and get to work. The student does the writing; I ask the questions, coach and edit.
College essay coaching
From the first interview to an outline and a strong first draft, so the essay shows more than test scores, grades, advanced coursework and extracurricular activities.
Review and editing
Recommendations, then edits of the first draft and the final draft for submission.
Interview and video presentation prep
If needed, I will provide additional services to help prepare an applicant for an interview or video presentation.
Another writing project in mind? Ask about it during your consultation.
What a student says
JoAnn talked to me about my essay ideas. She asked me questions and I redirected my college essay. She made it a much easier process and her editing suggestions made a real difference. I was accepted to one of my top choice schools.
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6 Steps To Final Draft
Experts have called the college essay “high stakes competitive writing”. It is. And that is why we follow a plan.
Interview and essay topic discussion
An in depth interview to uncover passions, interests and philosophy, then a suitable essay topic.
Visualization and outline of essay
We picture the finished essay and map it out before the writing starts.
Coaching and writing
Your student writes, in his or her own voice, with coaching at every turn.
Review and recommendations
A careful read with clear recommendations on what to sharpen.
Edit first draft
Editing that tightens the story and keeps the student's voice.
Edit final draft for submission
A polished essay, ready to send to the admissions office.
Recent acceptances
Students I've worked with have recently been admitted to:
Georgetown UniversityUnited States Military Academy at West PointWellesley CollegeBoston CollegeNortheastern UniversityWake Forest UniversityDartmouth CollegeVillanova UniversityNew York UniversityUniversity of Colorado BoulderWashington University in St. LouisUniversity of Notre DameUniversity of MichiganUniversity of PennsylvaniaCornell UniversityTulane UniversityClemson UniversityLehigh UniversityUniversity of MarylandFairfield UniversityThe University of TampaBucknell University
A mother of three, on a mission
As a mother of three, I am all too familiar with the challenges my children face when tackling a writing assignment. As a professional Journalist/Television News Reporter, I love writing.
It is my mission to make writing a more positive experience by giving students the extra tools needed to become better writers.
— JoAnn