The Write Coach Services and FAQ
How important is the essay topic in college admissions?
Your GPA, standardized test scores and coursework are considered important factors in admissions decisions. But an engaging, smartly written personal statement can set you apart in a competitive environment, particularly because hundreds of universities have gone "test-optional," meaning you don't have to submit and ACT or SAT score. The essay gives you a chance to market your talents and communicate to the decision-makers in your own voice. A great essay topic may give you the winning edge. The same can be said for scholarships and internships.
I'm a good writer. Why do I need a writing coach?
All writers benefit from having their work evaluated by someone else. Parents, teachers or guidance counselors do not always make the best editors. They may be too familiar with your writing style to see flaws in your essay. As a parent, I can tell you that sometimes we clash with our children or want to micromanage their work, so we don’t make the best reviewers. As an unbiased, outside expert, I will help you showcase your best work, without the battles.
Will you write the essay for me?
Nope. I could never tell your story better than you can. And it’s dishonest. The coach providing the best college essay service helps you make your story shine.
So what does a writing coach do?
Some students may start with a writing prompt asking them to answer a specific question as their essay topic. In that case, I will help generate and discard ideas until we find the right story to tell. Then, we will work together to expand that idea into a full-fledged, personal essay that reflects your voice. Finally, I’ll help eliminate nitpicky errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ensure that you stay within the essay guidelines.
Other students may have written an essay that perfectly conveys their story to the admissions, scholarship or internship committee. In that case, we’ll just skip to the editing.
What are the best essay topics?
I try to not to make any blanket statements about “good” or “bad” essay topics. But I usually suggest that you avoid writing about your mission trip. It likely was meaningful for you, but many of your peers had the same experience. That means the essay won’t stand out. My goal is to make the people reading your essay today remember you tomorrow.
Other students may have written an essay that perfectly conveys their story to the admissions, scholarship or internship committee. In that case, we’ll just skip to the editing.
What are the best essay topics?
I try to not to make any blanket statements about “good” or “bad” essay topics. But I usually suggest that you avoid writing about your mission trip. It likely was meaningful for you, but many of your peers had the same experience. That means the essay won’t stand out. My goal is to make the people reading your essay today remember you tomorrow.
Are you good?
I am an editor who worked for more than 20 years at newspapers, including The Dallas Morning News, and the Associated Press wire service. My students have been accepted to competitive undergraduate schools across the country, as well as law school, PT school and medical school. I've edited thousands of college essays. Here are some testimonials to back up my work.
How does your service work?
If you live in the Dallas area, we may want to work together in person. You may prefer to meet on Zoom. In general, I charge hourly, but I do prorate, meaning I will not charge for time I do not work.
Can you coach my high school journalism students or newspaper staff?
I teach a variety of skills to build on your high school journalism program, including story selection, reporting, interviewing, AP style, improving your newspaper website and breaking news coverage. I also can work alongside your high school newspaper editors to review stories before publication to ensure they meet your school’s standards.
I'm not in high school, but I want your help. Do you offer corporate coaching or professional editing?
I create workshops tailored to your company's goals and your employees' skill levels and job descriptions. I use examples from your own written communication as part of the learning experience. I can help your employees review grammar, punctuation, word usage and other skills that will sharpen their writing. Do your writers need an editor? I edited internal and external communications as a consultant for Dallas Area Rapid Transit for many years; separately, I have done freelance editing for numerous corporate clients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
My resume needs freshening. Can you help?
I can. I encourage you first to find a simple, straightforward template to get started. Once you’ve organized your work experience, skills and job requirements, I will help you sharpen the resume’s focus and eliminate errors that undercut your professional appearance.
Do you help high school students prepare for the ACT or SAT?
Unfortunately, writing college essays and preparing for standardized tests require unrelated approaches. If you live in the Dallas or Plano area, and want an excellent referral for test prep, please go here.
My club or organization is looking for a speaker. Will you talk to us?
Sure! I am happy to give presentations about college essays to students and their parents. I’ve spoken at high school college nights, and numerous YMSL and NCL chapter meetings, among other places.
Where can I go for more information?
Just ask me! I can be reached here. Or call me at 214-417-7719.
I'm not in high school, but I want your help. Do you offer corporate coaching or professional editing?
I create workshops tailored to your company's goals and your employees' skill levels and job descriptions. I use examples from your own written communication as part of the learning experience. I can help your employees review grammar, punctuation, word usage and other skills that will sharpen their writing. Do your writers need an editor? I edited internal and external communications as a consultant for Dallas Area Rapid Transit for many years; separately, I have done freelance editing for numerous corporate clients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
My resume needs freshening. Can you help?
I can. I encourage you first to find a simple, straightforward template to get started. Once you’ve organized your work experience, skills and job requirements, I will help you sharpen the resume’s focus and eliminate errors that undercut your professional appearance.
Do you help high school students prepare for the ACT or SAT?
Unfortunately, writing college essays and preparing for standardized tests require unrelated approaches. If you live in the Dallas or Plano area, and want an excellent referral for test prep, please go here.
My club or organization is looking for a speaker. Will you talk to us?
Sure! I am happy to give presentations about college essays to students and their parents. I’ve spoken at high school college nights, and numerous YMSL and NCL chapter meetings, among other places.
Where can I go for more information?
Just ask me! I can be reached here. Or call me at 214-417-7719.
