The best college essays are specific, honest, and — counterintuitively — a little small.
I help high school students find that story, shape it, and get it on the page in a voice that's unmistakably their own. After years of doing this, I can say with confidence: the essay is almost never the problem. The paralysis is.
Here's what I've noticed after years of working with high school students on their college essays: most of them already have the story. They just can't see it yet — because they're 17, they're stressed, and they've convinced themselves that admissions officers want to hear about their greatest achievement or most pivotal lesson learned.
They don't. Or rather: that's not the whole picture.
What actually works is something specific, honest, and — this is the part students find hardest to believe — a little bit small. The real moment. The real voice. Not the version designed to impress, but the one that actually sounds like you.
My job is to help students find that version and get it on the page. No generic advice, no cookie-cutter structure, no essays that sound like they came from a template (or a chatbot). Just good writing that sounds like the person who wrote it.
What I Do
How I Work
Every college applicant is different and special—but how do you show that? That’s the challenge! It all starts with open and honest dialogue with a student (and their parents, if necessary) to tease out what makes them tick and what kinds of skills and interests have they been cultivating during their high school years. There’s no magic formula—it’s simply digging in and crafting an essay that’s honest and true, and turning it into something that shines the best and brightest light on your student. I’ll make that happen for you.
What I Do
Think you have no idea what to write about? I can help. From ideation to polishing a finished piece—I’m here for the journey. Whether you have a kernel of an idea (no idea too small, no idea too big!) or a fully-fleshed out draft, we’ll take it bit by bit and step by step with small, staggered deadlines. Once a student creates an outline or first draft, we work together to refine the idea, identify weak spots, improve wording and eventually get to a solid essay. Then we revise, revise, and revise—until it’s perfect and ready for primetime.
FORMER STUDENTS HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TO THESE UNIVERSITIES (AND MORE!)
Services
Essay strategy session — topic identification, angle development, getting unstuck
Full essay development — blank page through final draft
Essay revision and editing — for students who have a draft that needs real help
Supplemental essay review
I work with a limited number of students each cycle, so sessions are focused, personal, and (gasp!) actually enjoyable.
Testimonials
“Liz was an invaluable resource in helping my daughter craft her college admissions essay. Thanks to Liz’s guidance, my daughter has already heard back from several schools and has been accepted to all of them! Liz’s support stood out in several key ways:
Warm and Friendly Approach: Liz created a comfortable and trusting environment, which allowed my daughter to freely share her thoughts and ideas without hesitation. This rapport was instrumental in bringing out my daughter’s authentic voice.
Effective Time Management: Liz provided a clear and manageable timeline, ensuring my daughter stayed on track while maintaining a comfortable pace. This structure helped her complete her essay on time without feeling overwhelmed.
Expert Insights: Liz offered thoughtful suggestions and creative ideas that enhanced both the content and style of the essay, elevating it to a polished and compelling piece.”
— Alice D., Westchester, NY
“Liz’s college essay editing was nothing short of transformative, turning raw drafts into polished narratives that truly captured my student's unique voice and potential. With her keen eye for detail and compassionate approach, she gently guides writers to refine their work, highlighting their strengths while offering constructive insights that elevate their writing to new heights. Her editing goes far beyond mere grammar and structure; she helps students uncover the most compelling aspects of their personal stories, drawing out nuanced reflections and authentic emotions that make admissions officers take notice.”
— Lisa, New York City, NY
“Liz is the kind of writer whose words string together deep emotions that bring new depth to a story that makes reading a delight! And as an editor, she is similarly able to help teen college applicants enhance their truths, ideas and ambitions. Her timely and effective advice adds a polish to their essays which is priceless. As a person, Liz is warm,kind understanding and even when she came on to our team at the very last moment, she quickly turned everything around with her optimism and dedication. We are forever grateful and whole heartedly recommend her to everyone!”