What Makes Me Different From Other Consultants?
The relationship is always first. These are anxious times for everyone, but especially for young people trying to forge their way toward the life they envision. I’m here to be a trusted partner, to build a knowledge-based working relationship, to guide students through a sometimes overwhelming process.
A lawyer friend told me I run my business as though I have a “fiduciary responsibility.” I looked up the meaning that would best apply to me. Fiduciary means someone with an ethical duty, a binding trust. Although I don’t have a legal responsibility, building trust with my students, parents, and clients is the heart of how I work. Maybe that’s why I often work with kids applying to high school, and then college, and sometimes—and I love this—with their younger siblings from the same family.
Expertise. Familiarity with a breadth of information/subject matter. I’ve worked with young people and adults applying to such specialized programs as architecture/engineering, industrial and graphic design, biology, history, stage management, law, and medicine. The broad scope of my reading—and curiosity—means I can take a deep dive into the info that’s needed.
Bespoke No cookie-cutter approach: each person I work with comes with a point of view and a history. What sort of student they’ve been, how they’ve succeeded, where they had or continue to have challenges. What they love.
Many of my students have anxiety or focus issues; I meet that challenge with analysis, a flexible approach, and passionate single-mindedness.
Full Service
My POV
As an experienced writer and storyteller, I help students find their most compelling stories; they teach me how best to work with them. Bonus: many see their writing improve.
Facilitating essays and creating a schedule for students or validating their self-created schedule are the core of what I do. I make sure the deadlines are met with high quality, complete essays plus whatever other presentation materials are required.
Early start
To meet the challenge of earlier deadlines for Early Action, Early Decision I, and Single Choice Early Action, as well as the Nov 30 application deadline for UCs, I’ve been meeting several times with students over the summer, before the demands of the school year begin. By the time school starts we have a plan for making those deadlines work. An early start is equally crucial for high school application. And, while the scheduling may differ for grad school application, the early start still applies.
Optional
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Discuss or review the individual’s target school list
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Conduct rehearsal interviews (have done so for high school, college, and med school interviews)
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Portfolio consulting
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Edit or collaborate on parent essays for parents of applicants to independent high schools.
Writing modules
I create short-range programs that address one or a few writing concerns within a specified time period. Please email me if you’d like to discuss that option for your student. I’ve also worked with adults in a similar goal-focused way.
Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah speeches
I've been honored by being asked to work with young people on their speeches for this joyful day in their young lives.
Other personal writing
Applications for academic and other programs, medical residency personal statements.