"Rejected By Your Dream Colleges? It's not you, it's them! Here's why."
I'm going to try to make you feel better. It might not work. Yet. But no matter what the college decision is, you're going to be okay....
Mar 29, 20232 min read
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Imagine a coach who transforms the writing process into a journey of self-discovery and creative expression.
I turn the daunting college application process into a journey of self-discovery.
We showcase the whole student, intellect and personality.
With insider knowledge and a personal touch, I guide your child to their dream college,
blending strategy with compassion and humor.
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Consultant and
Essay Coach
Personal Narrative
Specialist
What if your child felt more confident and more empowered
in their ability to present their academic story
that application readers immediately
see their value and intellectual curiosity?
What if instead of feeling stressed during the application process,
there was ease?
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​​​​​​​My research-based instruction works in just this way.
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With a rich educational background,
including degrees from Smith College and Harvard University, and experience as a Fulbright Exchange teacher to England,
I bring a wealth of knowledge and
empathy to my coaching.
Writing Competitions
A former AP English Language and Composition teacher, Kristie has helped students win writing competitions, from the
CT Shoreline Heads of English Department contest to the IMPAC CT
State Universities Young Writers Competition.
Kristie’s unique approach, empowers students
to silence their inner critics and unleash their
authentic voices.
Fostering a supportive
and inspiring environment, Kristie empowers students
to develop their authentic voices and achieve recognition, exposure, and competition success.
Her commitment to excellence and passion
for storytelling
make her coaching invaluable for aspiring writers.
College Counseling and Essay Coaching
I help students gr. 9-12
design a cohesive application narrative,
from art school to the Ivy League,
incorporating academic goals,
personal values, and character traits.
Mentored by the former
director of admissions for Cornell,
my research-based process
empowers students,
and teaches how to craft life experiences
into a compelling application
while reducing stress.
I know what admissions readers look for.
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No more procrastinating.
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No more frustration.
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No more pain.
Short Term Essay Editing
For those who prefer more independence
or have an impending deadline,
I offer editing packages without face to face
or Zoom time.
These are intended to
polish essays before submission.
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Fresh eyes.​​
Students Accepted to
Harvard, Princeton, Yale
Columbia, UPenn, MIT
Dartmouth, Brown
UK: Cambridge, Trinity
CalTech
Johns Hopkins, Rice
University of Michigan
Georgetown, Swarthmore
Smith, Wellesley
Carleton, Middlebury
Wesleyan, Emory
Tufts, USC, UVA
Macalester, Bucknell
UCONN, Colorado College
University of Florida
Georgia Tech, NYU
UMASS, Brandeis
Boston College, Clark
Boston University
Emerson, Fordham
George Washington, WPI
SUNY Stonybrook
SUNY New Paltz, Tulane
Northeastern, Penn State
Michigan State
Indiana University: Kelley School of Business,
Wheaton, Ole Miss, LSU
U Illinois Chicago
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It's not just about getting the application done.
It's about empowerment.
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College Counseling and Essay Coaching Services
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It’s not just about getting the application done.
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It's about setting them up for the future they want.
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It's about empowering them throughout the college and
graduate school years and career beyond.
Having strong writing skills and an ease in communicating ideas
will give a competitive advantage.
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And who doesn't want that?
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To hear the rest of my 10 minute talk, go here:
Kristie approaches her students with a wonderful combination of respect, empathy, humor, and honesty. She sets a high bar which her students meet with great enthusiasm.
Truly the mark of a gifted educator.
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I was so fortunate to have Kristie guide both of my daughters as they worked to create narratives that allowed them to get noticed. She took the time to learn each one's strengths not only as a student but as an individual. It was such a proud moment when their essays received compliments during
college interviews.
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Verna, parent
Parent Testimonials
What I really appreciated was that you diffused the apprehension about starting the essay opening with discussion that made my student realize that they did in fact have something to say.
You helped reveal the writer’s voice rather than let than let them obsess about what they need to write to get accepted.
I also loved the way you sometimes suggested that there might be a better way to convey a feeling or sentiment and you prompted them to offer other words to replace what might be a weak passage.
In the end, the writing was original, authentic, and well received. And being that both student and parent were on our last nerve, you preserved our relationship and let me just be Mom while you got to be my friend, the writing coach.
I’m eternally grateful.
Shelley, parent
What we’ll do together
From brainstorming to outlining, from choosing the right structure to multiple drafts that refine, I provide support, expertise, resources, and scheduled accountability.
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Clients will:
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Complete a series of brainstorming exercises designed to reveal
values, traits, and essential self. This prewriting makes choosing topics far easier and results in more engaging and compelling topics that stand out.
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Identify the story to tell that showcases best and highlights authenticity
and genius.​​
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Essay Coaching
1:1 ​
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I offer 1:1 consulting tailored to each student's needs in order to ensure that the Common App personal statement, list of activities, additional information, and all supplementals convey the unique attributes, skills, and insights a student offers a campus. We also can address resumes, scholarship, and continued interest or wait-list letters.​
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How It Works
Packages vary depending upon need and at what stage in the process a client is (what they have drafted or need developed).
Pacing is often determined by a combination of deadlines and student effort.
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I offer a range of services from one-off reviews of written work to my most comprehensive service, a developmental, strategic, and longer term partnership.
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The Blog
My Book Pick Of The Month
The Ten Thousand Doors of January
by Alix E. Harrow.
"A gorgeous, aching love letter to stories, storytellers and the doors they lead us through . . ."
If you need to escape, this is the book.
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In a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely ignored, and utterly out of place.
Then she finds a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds, and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure and danger.
Are you
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ready to improve as a writer?
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craving confidence?
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requiring accountability?
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needing authentic, honest input and feedback?
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desiring kindness and humor from your coach?
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feeling stuck?
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looking for someone to bounce ideas off of?
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ready to eliminate the inner critic?
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seeking joy in your writing process?
Coaching Includes
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Conversations with empathetic and analytic listening
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Feedback tailored just for you
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Accountability
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Emotional support
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Creative support
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Email, text and phone support
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Verbal and written feedback
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Be a Read Writer
My method is dedicated to moving first drafts towards publically consumed work.
Method
My method teaches potent craft tools, provides support,
and creates a safe structure that quiets the critical mind, allowing you to tap into your most unique, creative, and
powerful work.
Perspective
Uses principles from Gateless Writing founded by Suzanne Kingsbury, novelist and sought-after developmental editor. Based on neuroscience and eastern spiritual traditions of non-duality, Gateless removes left-brain analysis and judgment from the practice of writing, particularly first draft work.
Customization
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planning based on your specific goals
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productivity and time management tips
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advice for maximizing strengths and addressing challenges
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encouragement and honest feedback
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recommendations for professional development
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suggestions for how to recapture the joy of writing
I Believe
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You need to feel safe, confident, and heard.
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Creating your supportive writing environment, one that minimizes distractions, helps make writing feel less daunting.
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Positive feedback boosts creativity and confidence, keys to getting ideas out of your head and onto the page and into the world.
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Vulnerability depends upon trust. Our relationship thrives with truth telling.
Book a Free Consult
Try 30 minutes of coaching by me free.
Coaches and writers need to be sure they have chemistry and will make a good team.
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During the introductory meeting, we'll discuss writing goals and what approach we would take should you decide to work with me.
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Options
One Off or By the Hour
Submit a single project for feedback by the hour.
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One Month
Sign on for one month of coaching
3-6 months
Work together long-term for consistency and follow through on projects or writing technique.
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