I know that choosing the right coach is a meaningful decision. My work with students is highly personal and intensive, and the relationship we build is central to their success.

I begin by leading conversations about their interests, values, and the experiences that have shaped them. This helps me understand who they are and how they see the world. Then, we move into guided brainstorming and freewriting based on thoughtful questions—about adversity, daily life, identity, childhood memories, spirituality, and the small but powerful moments that reveal their character. Topics for the statement emerge.

As their story comes into focus, I help students begin crafting a narrative that captures the truth of who they are with power and nuance. We work in a steady rhythm of talking, writing, and refining as the essay gains depth and clarity. Throughout the process, I send personalized articles on the craft of writing and on the themes they’re exploring. These outside sources help broaden their thinking and strengthen their expression of ideas.

Key areas of focus include:

• A vivid, engaging opening

• Clear narrative structure and handling of time

• Strong language and sentence‑level craft

• Deep, thoughtful reflection and insight (the most important element!)

• What admissions readers respond to—and why

I also offer practical guidance on topics to avoid, values to highlight, and storytelling techniques that elevate the writing. Students feel supported, understood, and challenged in a way that helps them write with confidence and authenticity.

A graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, published author, and winner of multiple national awards for writing, I bring more than twenty-five years of joyful teaching experience and personalized support to my coaching.

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I help applicants...

• Brainstorm/freewrite and use other techniques to find a topic

• Develop a singular perspective

• Write engaging, vivid details and descriptions using the 5 senses
  (paint a picture with words)

• Become characters in their own lives

• Weave emotional interiority into their depiction of themselves

• Establish a consistent voice and tone

• Embed dialogue where relevant

• Weave in literary devices, such as metaphor 

• Reflect on experience with insight

• Find the threads that lend unity to disparate moments or events

• Write concisely, fluidly, and with precision

• Make a lasting impression

• Avoid common missteps

• Ensure the statement is unified, coherent, cohesive,
  grammatically correct, and error-free

Your child's academic future awaits!
Call or email me today. 

info@thrivetutoring.services
‪(917) 821-5341

Package and hourly pricing. Sliding scale available.

Why Mundane Moments Truly Matter

Subjects

• Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

• The Value of the Trivial

• Reflection

Craft

• Beginnings

Note: See instructions at end of article!