I specialize in helping students to uncover their authentic voice and turn their experiences into compelling, memorable college essays.
Hi! I’m Melanie. I’m a Harvard‑educated film, television, and copywriter with over 20 years of experience crafting powerful, emotionally-rich stories across media. Trained at the UK’s National Film and Television School and a graduate of Disney’s selective Writing Program, mining and refining personal stories to create compelling narratives is my specialty. I have been an alumni interviewer for Harvard admissions for nearly a decade so I know what admissions counselors are looking for and how candidates are assessed. I also support Los Angeles high school students in writing their personal statements as a volunteer for 826LA. My coaching is warm, focused, and practical, designed to help students express themselves clearly, confidently, and with impact - all in their own unique voice. I believe we all have a story worth telling. My goal is to help students discover, choose and shape the ‘right’ story to convey who they are – for the college application process and beyond.
Services
Core Essay Package (Personal Statement)
For students who need support with their main Common App personal statement
This custom program includes:
1 kickoff strategy session (90 mins)
1 topic selection/shaping session for one essay (90 minutes)
2 rounds of feedback (written or Zoom)
Final proofread & polish of one personal statement/essay
Email support, check-ins and assignments throughout process
Includes:
Core Essay Package (two brainstorming / topic generation sessions, outline, 2‑3 draft reviews, revisions, final polish, e-mail support)
+ additional strategy/brainstorming session and support for up to 4 supplemental essays
2-3 draft reviews per supplemental essay
Final polish
Already have an essay that just needs a pair of experienced eyes on it? Need a brainstorming session and you can take it from there? Hourly options allow you to customize support based on your unique needs. Save by purchasing a block of hours.
Begin reflecting on your essay topic with a relaxed mind!
Min 3 and max 6 students
Three 3.5-hour group sessions plus one writing day.*
9.30am - 1pm PST / 12.30 - 4pm EST
Program includes:
Mining your personal story and defining your ‘brand’
Anatomy of a ‘good’ essay
Brainstorming essay topics
Planning your first core essay (with rough first draft for students who are ready)
*Online sessions Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with Wednesday office hours/writing day. Includes separate 45-minute one-to-one next steps call
Exploratory Session
Parents and students, let’s talk! I’d love to discuss my approach to honing your personal story and mining from that to build an essay that conveys the essence of who you are to a college admissions team. In this complimentary exploratory call, we can get to know each other and you can decide which of my coaching services might be right for you. Go to Services and select ‘Exploratory Session’ and check out. I will e-mail you to arrange our video or phone call.
Already written an essay and just want a pair of eyes on it? I also offer hourly feedback sessions, including written notes. See A la Carte services.
*I offer sliding scale rates and discounts for referrals. Contact me using the form to inquire.
Enter the college application season relaxed and confident and build community with other students on the same journey
What I do - through exercises, worksheets and conversations - is offer ways for you to reflect: to gain a perspective on yourself, to allow you to see yourself as others might see you. Or even to share what people don’t see about you.
Contact Me
Questions? Fill out this form and I’ll get back to you, usually within 48 hours.