FAQ
There’s an answer to every question.
Clarity Behind Every Concept.
General Inquiries
Essay consultants work with students on their college applications. Specifically, essayists work on the primary essay and the supplemental questions. In some cases, the work is done as part of a larger, overall consulting package. In others, it is a one-off project.
English teachers (in and out of the classroom setting) and essayists have much in common. We both have a strong command of the language, literary devices, various writing techniques, and nuances of essays. English teachers tend to focus more on academic writing conventions rather than constructing a conversational narrative. College essay writing is not taught in the American classroom, at all. It is vastly different than persuasive, argumentative, or descriptive essays in form, function, and delivery.
Absolutely. Many clients only need help with a single essay. Undergraduate, graduate, medical, and law school essays are all different in style and approach.
Absolutely. I have clients all over the USA. I prefer to meet Atlanta-area clients in person for the first meeting (it's way more fun!), but I am always open to virtual sessions.
Absolutely. Quite unfortunately, I don't get to meet with all of my clients at the beginning of their journey. In some cases, I am called in and work behind failed application attempts (rejections start rolling in) or to pick up after another consultant started work. No two cases are exactly the same.
Writing Process
I listen, carefully, and ask questions about you dreams, fears, and situational constraints. Why do you want to be an occupational therapist? How can you like tomatoes but hate ketchup? Do you like tacos? Crunchy or creamy peanut butter? Why was geometry easier than algebra?
While no two clients are the same, the first meeting across all clients shares the same mission: find out what makes your student tick. The college application process is supposed to be reflective of each applicant, which is to say unique. It's a very organic, laid back meeting where the student can ask anything.
There is no singular process. My services are tailored to each client and their specific situation. Additionally, everything that I do is dependent upon students making their deliverables to me.
A realistic timeframe to complete the Common App essay is between 4 - 6 weeks, which assumes the writer is in school and has significant extracurriculars and homework. An essay that was slammed out in a vacuum will not carry the same impact as one that was thoughtfully constructed.
Yes. I value student and parent input. This is neither my college essay nor application. The process is living and evolves over time; some goals change.
I lay out the pros and cons to any situation and help students and their parents make informed decisions. I am not here to tell anyone what to do.
We balance beauty, durability, and your personal taste. We bring samples, swatches, and curated options—so every material aligns with your lifestyle and budget.
Absolutely. Quite unfortunately, I don't get to meet with all of my clients at the beginning of their journey. In some cases, I am called in and work behind failed application attempts (rejections start rolling in) or to pick up after another consultant started work. No two cases are exactly the same.
Pricing & Budget
No two students, projects, application profiles, and universities are the same. For example, working on supplementals for your state's flagship university, usually 1 or 2 questions, is a fundamentally different job than it is to do the same thing for Stanford University, which has roughly 11.
I offer transparent pricing—usually via a flat fee or a tailored package. Every quote is clearly broken down, with no hidden charges. No two clients or applications are the same. It's a vastly different prospect writing for Stanford than it is for your small, in-state school. While both are respected academic institutions, Stanford has roughly 11 supplemental essays and some other schools have none.
No strict minimums. For clients not engaging me in a larger part of the process, my minimum bill is 1 hour. After that, I bill in 15 minute increments.
Our first discovery session / meeting is complimentary. If you proceed with our services, consultation fees are included in the project package. It is very rare to bill essayist or consulting services separate from the larger project.
Yes. You’ll receive a full proposal outlining all deliverables, costs, and timelines before we begin any work together.
I plan carefully to avoid surprises. When circumstances do arise, work. is paused and all parties (the student, their parents, and me) are on the same page. Blind billing is not a practice I believe in.
Yes. I offer flexible packages— from brainstorming-only to management of the entire application process —so you can choose what fits best with your needs and budget. Often times, clients come in thinking they need a lot more help than they actually do.
In most cases, payment plans are acceptable; especially for higher priced services. Valid forms of payment include, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, wire transfer, bank draft, or cash.
Project Execution
This process bridges the huge expectation gap between high school and college. High school is, largely, a micromanaged process. College is free-range.
I work to strike a balance with my students that holds them accountable for their deliverables while rewarding them for effort and hard work.
Parents and/or guardians are kept informed throughout the entire process. I do ask that the moderation of work, constructive feedback, and any concerns funnel from the parent(s), through me, and onto the student. The process is stressful and I am here to help minimize it for all parties.
Constant communication. Over communication. Documentation. Accountability. That said, if a student doesn't engage the process, there is nothing I can do to force them.
The most successful outcomes are seen with students that stayed engaged and feel a sense of ownership, agency, and control over the process.
Upon contract execution, I will create a team chat that includes the student, parents/guardians, and me. Think of this as the office water cooler. It's a great place for parents keep tabs on the process from afar. It becomes quickly evident how the process is moving along, where setbacks might happen, and what can be done to course correct.
I ask that parents/guardians not engage this chat thread unless specifically addressed.
A second, group chat will include the parents/guardians and me. In this setting I am able to provide the parents support, answer questions that do not involve the student, strategize, or discuss confidential issues like finances and health considerations.
I work with clients on essays only, their entire search process, list creation, fit, and more. I stay out of the FAFSA and financial aspect of the process entirely. This means that my client load from year-to-year is not stagnant. The number depends entirely on the proportion of writing-intensive students to non-writing.
Do You Have Other Questions?
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