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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.

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?

My research-based instruction works in just this way.

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

No more procrastinating.

No more frustration.

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.

Fresh eyes.

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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

It's not just about getting the application done.

It's about empowerment.

College Counseling and Essay Coaching Services

It’s not just about getting the application done.

It's about setting them up for the future they want.

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.

And who doesn't want that?

Book a free 30 min consultation now

To hear the rest of my 10 minute talk, go here:

Book a free 30 min consultation

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.

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.

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.

Clients will:

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.

Identify the story to tell that showcases best and highlights authenticity

and genius.

Essay Coaching

1:1

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.

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.

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.

Book a free 30 min consultation now

The Blog

"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

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.

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.