Crafting Acceptances, One Story at a Time

How do you work with students?The bulk of our work is one-on-one writing courses. We teach students to think like a writer, from the conception phase of their essays all the way to their last supplemental.No two students are alike, so no two courses are the same. With some students, we spend a lot of time taking apart great pieces of creative non-fiction, so that they can build up their own arsenal. With others, we spend time doing a variety of writing exercises, so that they can find their voice. With others still, we jump right into the essays.This highly bespoke approach is what makes us different. It’s also what allows our students’ differences to shine through. Pressuring students into the same rigid process just leads to the same essays, when what students need first and foremost is to showcase their uniqueness.The truth about good writing is that there is no formula. There is no master structure. There is no magical framework. There’s only the relationship between your words and your reader.We’re here to help you think through this relationship—so that you can get the best of yourself on the page.


Do you ghostwrite the essays?We don’t. Not only because it’s unethical, but also because it would be doing you a disservice. Admissions readers have a real nose for authenticity. It’s your voice they want to read, not that of a professional writer.


How do your packages work?Our base package covers up to eight schools. It is designed to be comprehensive. Your dedicated editor will guide you through your Common App personal statement, your supplemental essays, your activities list, and the additional information section. The package includes as many drafts as you’ll need. The package also includes as many internal reviews of your essays as necessary.Unlike most of our competitors, we don’t rush you. What matters to us is that you emerge with essays you can be proud of.Some programs, because they require extensive additional writing, count as two schools (see below for a non-exhaustive list). You can add schools to our base package for a per-school fee.Feel free to contact us for our full brochure.


When is the right time to get your help?We’ve worked with students a year out from submitting their applications, and we’ve worked with students mere weeks from their deadline. We can adapt.That said, we believe that the ideal time to get started on your essays is the summer before your final year of high school. Why? Because it’ll make for a far less stressful fall of your senior year. We love it when you can finish your summer with a solid draft of your personal statement, as well as drafts for a few supplementals. If that’s where you get to, then you’re going to be all right.


Where do your students get accepted?In America, our students have been accepted to all of the well-known schools, from the Ivies and the UCs, to Stanford and MIT, and many others. In Europe, our students have been accepted to Oxford and Cambridge and other Russell Group universities, as well as Bocconi and Delft, and many others.Our students have also been accepted to many lesser known but just as wonderful schools.


How do you select students?We limit ourselves to twenty-five students per year to make sure we can give each and every student the close attention they deserve. This does mean we have to be selective. In our initial consultation, we’re looking for students who are open, curious, and ready to put in the work.


Do you work online?Yes. All of our work happens over Zoom, email, and Google Docs.


Who would I be matched with?We’re a team of professional writers who have books and plays out in the world, and MFAs from the best universities in the world. When we’re not helping students with their words, we’re busy crafting and editing our own. Basically, we’re always thinking about how to make writing more effective.Your editor will be one of our expert writers.One important additional point: the student-editor relationship is one that requires a special bond. We’ll work hard to find you the best person. And if we can’t, we’ll reimburse you.


Do you also work hourly?No, we don’t work hourly. We want to help students create beautiful, truthful essays, and that can take time. It can take a lot of time. That’s okay with us. What’s important is that you end up proud of your work.We’ve found that it’s best to be flexible, to not feel pressed. You need to have the time to make mistakes, to take detours. You need to have the time to find your voice, your story.


What if I’m not a good writer?Once upon a time, we were bad writers too. Writing creatively is a skill anyone can learn. Fingers crossed, you’ll emerge from this process with a newfound love for the written word.


What colleges or programs count for two colleges in your package?Most schools, honors programs, specialized programs, and scholarships don’t require extra essays. Some require extensive additional essays, and they’re therefore counted as two schools. Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of schools and university systems that count as two: • The University of California (although that allows you to submit to up to nine UCs)
 • UCAS (the UK system, which allows you to submit to up to five schools)
 • Theater, fine arts, and film school supplemental applications or essays
 • Honors programs (UPitt Honors College, Penn State Schreyer Honors College)


Can I meet with you to understand how this works?Absolutely. We’re always happy to set up a call and answer all of your questions. Just email us.