Essay Coaching

Your essays are critical to the application process, especially with the advent of test-optional policies and holistic admissions. As a professional writer, I understand that writing about yourself isn’t easy and managing deadlines can get pretty overwhelming. Using my experience as a writing teacher, I’ll guide you through the essay process, from brainstorming to final proofreading. I’ll work with you to:

  • Overcome writer’s block.
  • Deconstruct essay prompts to find topics that resonate with you.
  • Use your supplemental essays to complement your overall application.
  • Find your authentic voice and strengthen your essays to give the admissions counselors a clear picture of YOU.
  • Learn a few things about grammar and punctuation!

“As a parent, I wanted my children to have every opportunity to gain acceptance into their dream schools. I knew that having strong college admission essays—essays that stand out from the multitude of others—could be instrumental in determining a realized dream. Lisa Paradise has a natural gift for helping students take a good essay and transform it into a phenomenal essay that attracts the eye and engages the reader. I have witnessed Lisa do this with both of my children, and they are both attending their dream schools. I could not recommend Lisa strongly enough!“

–Jennifer, Parent

FAQ

It’s not easy to write about yourself. I’ve been writing professionally over 35 years, so I know first-hand how nerve wracking it is to face an empty computer screen with a blinking cursor. But using my decades of experience as a writing coach, I’ll help you brainstorm to find ideas that best express your authentic voice. I’ll provide feedback on your essays and, along the way, you’ll inevitably learn a few lessons about grammar and punctuation. In the end, I want you to be proud of your essays and feel that’s you’ve put a piece of yourself on the page

The essays are not about what you think might impress someone, and they’re not about following a template of a “perfect” essay. It’s important not to get in your head, and it’s important not to over polish. Through the essays, admissions counselors want to get to know about YOU. It’s crucial for you to tell your story and share your perspectives, in your unique voice.

Hey, I love that you’re a writer! However, college essays are very different from academic writing, or creative writing, or even journaling. I want you to write a fresh essay because it’s about communicating who you are now. Also, college admissions folks have read thousands of essays, so they can tell when you’re recycling!

C’mon, sure you do. And, as a former investigative news reporter, I’m pretty good at helping people find their voice. The subject isn’t that important, as long as the essay is about something that authentically matters to you.

I know. They can really add up. But we’ll set up a plan and a timeline, so your essays don’t become overwhelming. We’ll strategize how to use supplemental essays to round out your application and give admissions counselors the fullest picture of you possible.

No. I’ve been writing, and teaching writing, for so many years, that I can fit into whatever method works best for you. You may want me to set up a formal process of brainstorming followed by a specific set of drafts, with a schedule and deadlines. Or, you may get rolling and write in one big burst. Sometimes, it’s about helping you get unstuck or try out different topics until you find one that resonates. I will facilitate and guide you through whatever process fits you.