College Essays

College admissions staff read hundreds of essays. I can coach and edit your student’s college essay!

It begins with the consultation: A 10 minute parent meeting* to discuss expectations and a conversation with the student to discuss their topics, ideas and approach.

Step 1. I coach your student to write their best story by listening and brainstorming. Together, we explore and agree on a path. Often, my students want to write what they THINK a college might want rather than expressing their own compelling journey.

Step 2. We develop an outline together.

Step 3. The big sloppy draft – I encourage the student to add in every detail, ignore grammar and punctuation. I want them to write fast so they don’t overthink themselves out of an idea.

Step 4. I massage the essay by asking deeper question. The student and I go back and forth via Google docs and short telephone calls.

Step 5. The student and I agree on the edits and arc of the essay. Again, fast.

Step 6. We’re probably on our 3rd pass of the essay. When the student agrees we have the story told to their satisfaction it’s turned over to me. I polish it to stand out in the admission process.

The process is simple and happens quickly.

If needed, I help the student devise a detailed outline with starter sentences and supporting detail prompts. Then, they do a little writing homework. We revise together. Finally, Bettina polishes the essay.

The fine print

Time: No more than 14 days from engagement.

$25 for consultation. $525 total for the coaching/editing process. This process will address one topic under 700 words.

For longer or more complex essays (medical or law school) a firm price will be quoted after the initial consultation.

Initial: Virtual/Phone consultation with student and parent to review expectations. 15 mins, $25.

First online session: Finding the Story 

• Together:  Bettina will speak exclusively with the students to find their best story and topic – 60 minutes.
• Bettina Offline:  outline of the discussion for the student to comment on.
• Student Offline: Student uses the outline ideas to expand the essay.

Second online session:  Add, Subtract, Polish

• Together:  Figuring out where we need to expand and contract the ideas.
• Bettina Offline:  Heavy editing and returned to student to approve.
• Student Offline: Approving the work for final submission.

More than one essay?

Essays reworked from the original essay/brainstorming sessions run between $125-$250 depending on time needed to re-tool additional work.

Just a Look – Hourly Rate

For the advanced student who only needs a little polish. The completed essay is submitted to Bettina. She will look for punctuation and grammar mistakes and make general written recommendations for the students. Turnaround seventy-two business hours. $85 for 1 hour. This program choice is written correspondence only and does not include a coaching session.

Essays that need to be completed within 48 hours are subject to additional fees.