Over the last eight years, I’ve read hundreds of applications, written extensively about the college admissions process and helped countless students get into the schools of their dreams. I’ve worked with students of all majors and backgrounds to help them refine and reframe their college essays. These students have gone on to:
- Harvard
- Carnegie Mellon
- Northwestern University
- Yale University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Swarthmore College
- Vanderbilt
- Boston College
- And more!
“Serena opened my eyes into how admissions offices think about each application, which helped me understand not only how I should be writing my college application essays but why.” – Grace Xie, Northwestern ’27
How does it work?
I offer one-on-one coaching through the admissions process. Whether you’re just starting out and have no idea what to write or already finished the common app and just need some fresh eyes on it, I’m your girl.
If you’re still brainstorming, we can hop on a call to go over ideas, figure out how to make them a great essay, and write an outline before you sit down to write. If you’ve already started, I can help at any stage of the writing process.
- College essay brainstorming, essay/supplement review, chat about college stuff, common app review.
- Same expert editing and help, pay what you can. Contact me with questions, even if you think you may not qualify.
What are college essays for anyway?
College essays are a way to frame your application for the admissions officers to help give a narrative to the other activities and awards that are on your essay. It’s not about what you’ve done (that’s everywhere else on your application) but how you think and what you’re like as a person outside of your accomplishments.
It’s hard to give generic and universal advice about college essays that doesn’t sound super cliche. “Don’t write what you think they want to hear” and “be yourself” are both valid pieces of advice, but can only get you so far. But if I had it to do again, I would read about the school(s) you want to apply either in their student paper, on social media or right here through interview on Dear y’all. What you’re looking for is a vibe and specific things to be excited about and highlight in the supplemental essays.
Do you have other resources available?
Yes! Check out the resources page or the college resources blog which I kept throughout college. Some of the students I’ve worked with in past years have also contributed to these resources, so it’s not just limited to my point of view.