FAQ

Q. How are you different from other college counselors?

A. Three "e's": education, eye for story, and editorial expertise.

1. I graduated #1 in Harvard's English department and earned a master's degree from UCLA film school: two of the world's most selective institutions in admissions, communication, and storytelling. 

2. My deep professional experience as a multimedia storyteller (filmmaker, cartoonist, musician, journalist, marketer) helps me recognize stories that move readers. I empower students to capture these stories in their essays, reflecting their unique character. I also help students develop their "story" throughout high school, so that when they approach application essays, they have plenty to say.

3. With decades of experience as a professional editor for national magazines, marketing agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and startups, I can spot writing errors that many others (even strong writers) may overlook. Such errors diminish applicants in admissions officers' eyes, while error-free writing keeps the focus on an applicant's story, accomplishments, and voice. 

My unique skill set positions me to help students navigate the whole writing arc: from identifying their best ideas to ensuring that each word of their final essay works hard for them.

Q. Can't I just use ChatGPT to write my essay?

A. You could, but you probably shouldn't. Here's why: 

• A ChatGPT essay is unlikely to give you a competitive edge. Regarding AI in application essays, one selective admissions office advises: "We are interested in who you are, and we value what you have to say.... [E]ssays and personal statements that rely more on AI than your original thoughts miss the mark in one incredibly important way: they lack your voice, your ideas, and your very personal reflection on how your experiences have shaped you." 

• ChatGPT is unlikely to help you develop your own voice, as it compiles countless other writers' material (often without their permission or compensation). Having a strong, authentic voice equips you to advocate for yourself in personal and professional settings.

• Poet and creative-writing teacher Meghan O'Rourke writes: "I’ve spent decades writing and editing; I know the feeling—of reward and hard-won clarity—that writing produces for me. But if you never build those muscles, will you grasp what’s missing when an LLM delivers a chirpy but shallow reply?" 

I encourage students to develop those muscles. Writing is not just a means to an end (good grades,  college admissions), though it can unlock those things. It's a strength that empowers self-discovery. Shortcuts shortchange that process.

Q. Can you help me/my child get into [XYZ University]?

A. I help students brainstorm, revise, and finalize their best work, so they can claim ownership in their application chances. I have helped hundreds of students gain admission to top US colleges and universities, and I will work with you/your child to pursue their goals to the best of their ability. See Results and Testimonials.

Q. Do you guarantee college admission, or admission to particular schools?

A. No. College admissions depend on many factors. Admissions decisions are beyond the control of anyone except the school committees themselves. However, I will help your student form an authentic and confident self-presentation, fostering a lifetime of personal and professional resilience.

Q. I'm a parent who applied to college successfully myself. Why should I consider hiring someone else to help my child?

A. Parents may not realize how the college-application process has changed since they applied. I can help families understand how to approach today's applications, maximizing chances of success.

College applications can be stressful for families. Many students find it helpful to work on essay drafts with someone who is not their parent. For parents, too, it's often a relief to hand off this task to a professional. I care about each student I work with and help them to do their best work. However, parents know their child best, and I invite them to share their insights and collaborators.

Q. There is a college counselor at my/my child's school. Why should I/we work with a professional college mentor?

A. Most school counselors are experienced, caring, and skilled professionals who play a vital role in students' college application journeys, especially in helping select appropriate schools for application and helping students make use of resources like Naviance, Maia, and Scoir, assessing their chances at different schools. 

But most school counselors lack the time to work rigorously with each applicant on the personal development, self-knowledge, and writing skills that position students to put their best foot forward. Ideally starting well before application deadlines, I provide 1:1 support to help each student make their applications the very best they can be.

Q. Can you help me/my child select colleges to apply to?

A. I recommend you begin your list by meeting with your school college counselor and making use of the school's access to Naviance, Maia, and/or Scoir to understand which schools may be best for your child's success. I can then help you refine your list, mindful of early/regular deadlines and essay requirements. 

Q. Do you provide services for a package fee, or do you charge by the hour? How long will it take for you to support my child's application efforts?

A. I charge by the hour rather than by the package or by the school. Each student is different. Some are confident writers and just want a review of their already written Common App personal statement; others want help brainstorming essay topics, outlining drafts, repurposing essays for different schools, researching schools or majors, editing their activity list, and/or applying to selective summer programs. Some schools require time-consuming supplemental essays; others don't. This variance in student abilities and goals explains why the time I spend per student may vary from just a few hours to 75+ hours. 

I keep parents informed of incurred charges and encourage them to share their target budget, so we can collaborate on using resources wisely, empowering the student to work independently as much as possible.

For current pricing, please contact me.

Q. Do you meet in person with students or online?

A. I typically meet with students via Zoom. If a student/family prefers in-person meeting(s), we can discuss that. I am located in the San Francisco Bay Area, near Berkeley.