Who It's For
Designed for students who want sustained writing mentorship as they develop multiple college application essays. This package provides structured guidance across the Common App personal statement and supplemental essay responses, allowing students to develop a cohesive and thoughtful application narrative.
Through a series of one-on-one conferences, students clarify their ideas, develop strong drafts, and refine their writing through focused feedback and revision, ensuring their essays work together to present a cohesive and compelling application narrative.
includes
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15-minute phone consultation
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(5) 60-minute individual conferences
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2.5 hours of instructor review and preparation between sessions
college essay package
($750 5 Sessions)
how the process works
initial consultation
We begin with a brief phone conversation with the student and parents to discuss the student’s goals, timeline, and current stage in the writing process. This initial conversation allows us to clarify expectations, outline the scope of support, and ensure that the process is a good fit before scheduling the student’s first working session.
Across the first two sessions, we explore meaningful experiences, interests, and ideas that will shape the student’s application essays. Through guided conversation and brainstorming, we clarify the student’s voice and identify themes that highlight the student’s experiences, accomplishments, and perspective so admissions readers gain a clear sense of who they are. We also map how these ideas can be developed across the personal statement and supplemental prompts, sketching out how the essays will work together to present a clear and cohesive application narrative. This early planning helps students approach the writing process with greater clarity and intention.
sessions one - two: Brainstorming & narrative planning
Session three: Draft review & targeted feedback
During this session, we review the student’s draft essays together and evaluate how effectively each piece communicates its central idea. I provide targeted feedback on structure, clarity, voice, and narrative focus, along with concrete strategies for strengthening the writing. We also consider how the personal statement and supplemental essays work together so that each piece contributes meaningfully to the student’s overall application narrative.
During the session, we review the student’s revisions and focus on strengthening language, sharpening ideas, and refining the overall structure of each essay. Particular attention is given to clarity, specificity, and narrative cohesion so that the writing feels purposeful. By this stage, students are working to ensure that each essay communicates its message clearly while contributing to a cohesive portrait of the student.
session four: revision & refinement
session five: Final polish & Readiness review
In the final session, we review the essays as a complete set and make final adjustments to language, organization, and overall clarity. We consider how the essays read together and ensure that each one contributes effectively to the student’s overall application narrative. Students leave the session with a clear understanding of any final refinements needed so their essays are polished, cohesive, and ready for submission.
Follow-Up sessions
Additional sessions are available as needed at $125 per session.
Already had an initial consultation with Shelley?
If you've already had a phone consultation, you can purchase a package and book your working session here.
Choose whether you would like to meet in person or virtually, and click the appropriate link below to schedule your session. Follow-up sessions are booked separately and may be held virtually or in person.
