The Uncommon App
APPLYING TO COLLEGES is stressful and strains family relationships. Everyone wants what's best for the kid, but clashes feel inevitable because no one is quite sure what these college admissions people want. And if admissions people don't get what they want . . .
WHAT I DO: I can help craft your child's college applications to give them the strongest possible chance at acceptance by helping them to tell a coherent story about themselves. I specialize in guiding students through the process of writing Personal Statements as well as Supplemental Essays that colleges require.
HOW I DO IT: I break down the essay writing process into manageable steps while putting your child at ease by giving them permission to be terrible at this college admission thing. Don't worry, we'll get there together.
HOW MUCH IT COSTS: $150/hour.
HOW LONG IT TAKES: Everyone is different. No one has an easy time with college application essays. If your child likes writing and writes on their own (journaling, creative writing, lyrics, etc.) they may be more comfortable using language to express an introspective side that is needed for the Personal Statement. If writing is not necessarily your kid's thing, then it may take a little more guidance. It generally takes anywhere from 8-20 hours for the Personal Statement and 3-5 hours for a Supplemental Essay.
Testimonials
"My son greatly benefitted from Peter's encouragement and guidance in writing his college essays. Peter is a very perceptive listener whose thoughtful questions helped my son identify ideas and experiences he could shape into meaningful "stories" for his applications. My son is bright, but sometimes has difficulty staying on task, and Peter's assistance was invaluable. Having Peter as a third party facilitating the process probably saved my sanity--and my relationship with my son. The great news--my son got into every school he applied to!"
--Martina G.
"You'll learn to write a strong story and Peter helps you a ton! It was a lovely experience."
--Elizabeth L.
"I really appreciated all the guidance I got from Peter while writing my personal statement for my college applications. I thought my writing was in pretty good shape when I brought it to him, but by the time we were done I was surprised at how much better it had become and how proud I was of it. Peter approached the process with curiosity and helped me find the essence of what I wanted to convey while making sure my writing remained completely my own. I was accepted into top engineering programs thanks to his support!"
--Josie T.
"I was able to figure out a strategic process to write my essay that made it easier. I am happy that I was able to give myself enough time to write out my ideas and progress along the way."
--Lexi R.
"I found out that I really like writing."
--Jonah H.
"The papers that I've written before have never been based on my personal insight. I learned how to explain my own insight more than just stating facts in my personal essay."
--Ananya T.
"I learned how to write better through this process."
--Rinzin N
Students I have worked with have gained admission to the following schools:
Northwestern
Yale
University of Michigan
Cornell
Middlebury
Oberlin
Notre Dame (Honors College)
University of Illinois
University of Wisconsin
Arizona (Honors College)
Lewis & Clark
Michigan State
Tulane
DePaul's Driehaus College of Business
Macalester
Case Western (Honors College)
Carleton
St. John's College
Fordham
Seattle University
Pittsburgh
Southern Illinois University School of Aviation
University of Redlands
Knox College
and others...
I am not currently assisting with College Selection. If you need to develop your list of schools, I recommend Sara Denaro. Check out her website https://saradenaro.weebly.com/ or text her at 773-459-1638