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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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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.
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.
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.​​
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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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
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 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.
Business Data Analyst
"Of all that I have written in my life, my college essay is the piece of writing I am most proud of. It won a writing award and helped me gain admission into honors programs at several of the universities I applied to. But more important than any successes that resulted from it, working with Ms. Schmidt on the essay (and countless others during my time in her AP English class) allowed me to define my voice and develop my identity as a writer. Yes, she is a phenomenal editor, but she is also an exquisite coach who helped me express myself in ways I never expected. She has had a profound impact on my thinking and writing, and I cannot imagine a better person to work with on an important writing project."
CPA
"I had never been a confident writer, until I worked with Kristie during my college essay process. My essay topics were extremely private and on subjects that I did not often share with others. Kristie took a personal interest in understanding the messages I was trying to convey and coached me in a way that allowed me to freely express my feelings in a concise manner. To this day, I tell people the most influential person on my writing and writing style was Kristie!"
MBA Student
"I whole-heartedly endorse Kristie Schmidt for any writing-related expertise, guidance, and teaching! As my English teacher in High School, Ms. Schmidt was instrumental in helping me find my voice and construct a college essay that both told my story and showcased my writing abilities. Ultimately, her attention and guidance paid off when I was admitted to and attended Dartmouth College after graduating! More than that, Ms. Schmidt, more than any other teacher, inspired my love of language, of writing, and of communicating purposefully. She taught me how individual words can completely change the meaning of a statement, and showed me not just how to write an essay, but to craft a message. I still refer to her lessons even now as a student at MIT pursuing my MBA!"
" She is an incredibly gifted writing teacher/coach who helped me dramatically improve my writing skills, especially when it came to keeping thoughts concise. Under her guidance, I wrote and refined a college admissions essay that helped me get into many of my top college choices. I would highly recommend her as a coach for any high school senior who is serious about constructing their college essay for maximum impact! "
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Jonah F.
Software Engineer
"Ms. Schmidt was my high school English teacher and has remained a friend and mentor ever since. She helped craft my college admissions essay, my graduate school admissions essay, and my law school admission essay. I have also consulted her on other major writing assignments. There is no one I trust more to provide helpful and clear feedback and edits to make my writing concise, personal, and persuasive. She has proven to be a godsend to my writing products time and time again, and I endorse her wholeheartedly as a college essay coach and editor."
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Glenn H.
Judge Advocate US Air Force
"When I was preparing my college essay there was no question of whom I should ask for assistance. Kristie Schmidt had a well-known reputation in my school district for being the expert in college essay editing. Her skill, support and judgment along with her knowledge of the college application process made editing my essay an enjoyable and successful experience. She helped turn my initial thoughts into a creative, concise work of art which clearly communicated why I would be an asset to the universities I applied to (and I got accepted to every school on my list!). Today (as a current graduate student) I still utilize the writing and editing guidance I learned from Ms. Schmidt. Working with her will help you get into the school you want and will improve your writing skills for years to come!"
Melanie K.
LMSW Clinical Researcher
"I was a student of Kristie’s many years ago and still to this day use the writing and editing techniques she taught me in my personal and professional life. She has an incredible talent for helping you be critical and aware of your own mistakes while helping you develop your own writing style. She's incredibly generous and caring."
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Max H.
Applications and Manufacturing Engineer
