Welcome!Â
Quick links to my most helpful tools
Most college essays describe the kid. Mine show how the kid thinks.
I'm Kristie Schmidt.
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I write literary memoir, and I've spent twenty-plus years thinking about how language reveals a person. That's the eye I bring to your kid's draft.
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My coaching is the literary work, applied to the college application.
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I have a B.A. from Smith (with high honors) and an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Human Development and Psychology, the part of Harvard that studies how teenagers actually think.
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I'm also a National Writing Project Fellow through SUNY Stony Brook.
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For eighteen years I taught AP English Language and Composition in a public high school,
plus nine overlapping years teaching college Academic Writing through UConn's Early College Experience program.Â
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I was trained as an Essay Specialist by College Essay Guy and have been mentored by a former admission director at Cornell.Â
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My essay "Molasses Brain" won the 2025 International Amy MacRae Award. The judge, novelist Sharon Butala, called it "sheer strength of writing" and "admirably delicate touch."Â Â
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You can read it here.
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Testimonials
Since his preference is to have us be less involved, it's been invaluable to have someone like you help him along the way. It's always good for kids to hear things from experts and not their parents. — Katie, parent
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We are all absolutely thrilled! Your guidance made all the difference. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.Â
-- Sona, parent
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He applied to 15 schools and was accepted at 8 of them. . . He committed to Indiana a couple of days ago,
the Kelley School of Business, one of the best business schools in the country.
He's excited. We're excited.
--Happy Dad
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With your guidance, I was able to write some amazing essays!
Vinnie, admitted Haverford ED2
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I was told nobody from my high school gets in anywhere. I just wanted to share with you that I
got accepted into UPenn!!!
--Jordan
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Thank you so much for guiding me through this process. . . The hard part is over and with your help, I got in.
I heard that the out-of-state admission rate was 12% so I'm quite proud of myself!!
--Kevin, Georgia Tech
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I began my journey timid and hesitant, but with your assistance I finished off successful and confident.
You have truly helped me grow to be more creative, responsible, and determined.
--Chelsea, student
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Thank you so so much for all your help and support with the process :) I could not have done it without you.
--Â Diya, admitted to Cambridge University and UPenn
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I got accepted to every school on my list! Working with [Kristie] will improve your writing skills for years to come.
--Melanie, student
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The two main results that shocked me: my full ride to Oberlin College and almost full ride to Macalester College.
--Samantha, student
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I ended up getting into Columbia after committing to Princeton! I'm quite excited!
Thank you again for all of your help!
--Albert
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