College Essay Coaching

Your story,
unforgettably
told.

Every student has a powerful story inside them. I help them find it, shape it, and write it with their own authentic voice.

The essay that gets you in starts with knowing who you are..

Even great writers get stuck writing about themselves. That is where I come in. The whole process is fun, effective, and transformational.

Meet Your Coach

A mentor who loves teenagers

For over 25 years, I have taught the craft of writing at every level — from International Baccalaureate high school Language Arts classrooms to Colorado State University, where I have instructed writers for over a decade. I have coached writers at international retreats on multiple continents, guiding them to grow their craft and their deep self-awareness through writing. I am an award-winning writer and literacy specialist who knows both the science and the soul of great writing. I work with only a handful of college-bound students each year, bringing that full depth of expertise to every essay — helping each student find the story only they can tell, in a voice admissions readers won't forget.
100%
Admitted to a top choice
25+
Years of writing expertise
1:1
Private, confidential sessions
Fun
The whole process
How It Works

The three-step process

01
Brainstorming

A no-judgment space. I do a series of interviews and share my favorite strategies for finding the story that makes you distinctive. We have fun diving in and uncovering your developing sense of self.

02
Structure

With a topic in hand, we work on creating a storyboard and/or outline for each essay. I will challenge you to take risks and teach you how to trust yourself and take something ordinary and write it so vividly it becomes extraordinary.

03
Fine-Tuning

We work through multiple drafts until every word earns its place. That means an opening that pulls readers in, an ending that stays with them, and nothing in between that slows the story down. I help with grammar and make sure your voice lands as warm, curious, and real.

Packages and Rates

I offer a few paths forward

Bundle and Save
Most Popular
Bundle and Save - Common App
$2,650 $2,750
Over 300 min of 1-on-1 coaching for the Personal Statement plus 90 min to strategize Supplemental Essays plus guidance for Activities and Honors descriptions. Guarantees a spot on my calendar. Includes organizational system, spreadsheets, and 21 reinforcement videos.
Get Started
Standard Package
$2,200
Over 300 min of 1-on-1 coaching to complete the Personal Statement plus 90 min to strategize and build a blueprint for Supplemental Essays. Guarantees a spot on my busy summer and fall calendar. No Activities or Honors guidance included.
Get Started
A La Carte Services
Personal Statement and Main Essay
$1,375
300 min of 1-on-1 coaching, customized outlines, winning sample essays, editing, and 21 videos to reinforce coaching.
Book Now
Supplemental Essays Strategy and Coaching
$825
90 min of 1-on-1 coaching, can be split into 2 sessions, plus custom outlines, sample winning essays, and an organizational spreadsheet. For Ivy League or schools with 3 plus essays, ask about additional support.
Book Now
Discover Your Path: Top 3 Majors
$480
Pre-work plus 60 min of 1-on-1 coaching to find a college major and potential career path based on your values, interests, and strengths.
Book Now
Activity and Honors Descriptions
$550
With just 150 characters per description, every word matters. Includes an organizational chart and strategy sessions to make each entry strategic, concise, and intentional.
Book Now
One Hour Consultation
$275
For returning clients only: a 1-on-1 follow-up coaching session to keep your momentum going.
Book Now
4-Pack of One Hour Consultations
$1,100
When you want to give your child more support than they think they need. Buying in bulk secures a spot on my busy calendar.
Book Now
What Writers Say

The results speak for themselves

This process was overwhelming. How do you say who you are in 650 words? Your guidance made it easy and helped me find my voice. It was challenging, but you made it fun. I was so happy with what I wrote and got into my top choice schools!

Maureen M.

Kelly is a miracle worker! She has tremendous empathy for students as they write. She is patient yet firm, and can pull compelling writing out of students that will surprise both the student and their parents.

Tom V., Parent

It greatly decreased our stress level to know he was getting first-rate advice. Kelly pushed when she needed to and helped him elevate his writing. He was excited to hit submit!

Kelly R. S., Parent

Kelly helped my son craft his words into a quality essay with his authentic voice. As a parent, I do not think I would have been able to help him create such a solid essay on my own.

Karen S., Parent

With your help I was able to make my writing clear, concise, and thoughtful. I now enjoy writing more and feel comfortable getting my thoughts down on paper.

David B., Student

Your coaching brought to light the clarity and purpose that I had within myself. You helped me take myself seriously. I am excited to begin my journey into medicine.

Catharine D., Student
Ready to Begin?

Let's find your best story

Book a free phone consult to see if working together is the right fit. I work with only a handful of students each year, so spots fill quickly.

Before we meet, I will send you a few questions to help me get to know you so we can dig in immediately when we connect.

College Essay Coaching

Your story,
unforgettably
told.

Every student has a powerful story inside them. I help them find it, shape it, and write it with their own authentic voice.

The essay that gets you in starts with knowing who you are.
Self-knowledge is hard to put into words — even for natural writers. That is the work we do together. Students find the process energizing rather than daunting, and the results go far deeper than a finished essay.
Meet Your Coach

A mentor who loves teenagers

For over 25 years, I have taught the craft of writing at every level — from International Baccalaureate high school Language Arts classrooms to Colorado State University, where I have instructed writers for over a decade. I have coached writers at international retreats on multiple continents, guiding them to grow their craft and their deep self-awareness through writing. I am an award-winning writer and literacy specialist who knows both the science and the soul of great writing. I work with only a handful of college-bound students each year, bringing that full depth of expertise to every essay — helping each student find the story only they can tell, in a voice admissions readers won't forget.
100%
Admitted to a top choice
25+
Years of writing expertise
1:1
Private, confidential sessions
Fun
The whole process
How It Works

The three-step process

01
Brainstorming

A no-judgment space. I do a series of interviews and share my favorite strategies for finding the story that makes you distinctive. We have fun diving in and uncovering your developing sense of self.

02
Structure

With a topic in hand, we work on creating a storyboard and/or outline for each essay. I will challenge you to take risks and teach you how to trust yourself and take something ordinary and write it so vividly it becomes extraordinary.

03
Fine-Tuning

We work through multiple drafts until every word earns its place. That means an opening that pulls readers in, an ending that stays with them, and nothing in between that slows the story down. I help with grammar and make sure your voice lands as warm, curious, and real.

Packages and Rates

I offer a few paths forward

Bundle and Save
Most Popular
Bundle and Save - Common App
$2,650 $2,750
Over 300 min of 1-on-1 coaching for the Personal Statement plus 90 min to strategize Supplemental Essays plus guidance for Activities and Honors descriptions. Guarantees a spot on my calendar. Includes organizational system, spreadsheets, and 21 reinforcement videos.
Get Started
Standard Package
$2,200
Over 300 min of 1-on-1 coaching to complete the Personal Statement plus 90 min to strategize and build a blueprint for Supplemental Essays. Guarantees a spot on my busy summer and fall calendar. No Activities or Honors guidance included.
Get Started
A La Carte Services
Personal Statement and Main Essay
$1,375
300 min of 1-on-1 coaching, customized outlines, winning sample essays, editing, and 21 videos to reinforce coaching.
Book Now
Supplemental Essays Strategy and Coaching
$825
90 min of 1-on-1 coaching, can be split into 2 sessions, plus custom outlines, sample winning essays, and an organizational spreadsheet. For Ivy League or schools with 3 plus essays, ask about additional support.
Book Now
Discover Your Path: Top 3 Majors
$480
Pre-work plus 60 min of 1-on-1 coaching to find a college major and potential career path based on your values, interests, and strengths.
Book Now
Activity and Honors Descriptions
$550
With just 150 characters per description, every word matters. Includes an organizational chart and strategy sessions to make each entry strategic, concise, and intentional.
Book Now
One Hour Consultation
$275
For returning clients only: a 1-on-1 follow-up coaching session to keep your momentum going.
Book Now
4-Pack of One Hour Consultations
$1,100
When you want to give your child more support than they think they need. Buying in bulk secures a spot on my busy calendar.
Book Now
What Writers Say

The results speak for themselves

"I came in thinking my story wasn't interesting enough. Kelly helped me see that the most ordinary moments can be the most powerful. She has a gift for asking exactly the right question at exactly the right moment — and suddenly you hear yourself say something true that you didn't even know you believed. My essay finally sounded like me, and that made all the difference."
-College Applicant, Class of 2024
"I came to Kelly with decades of lived experience and no idea how to get it onto the page, honestly. What I didn't expect was that the writing itself would become a path back to the truth of what I actually lived. Kelly's embodied approach helped me slow down, drop out of my head, and write from the place where the real story lives. For the first time, I stopped performing my experience and started telling it. This work has changed not just my memoir — it has changed how I understand my own life."
-Memoir Author, Spring 2026
"What surprised me most was how much I took away beyond the essay itself. Kelly taught me how to brainstorm without judgment, how to find the heart of what I'm trying to say, and how to cut what isn't serving the writing. I used everything she taught me in my first college writing course."
-College Freshman 2025, Colorado State University

Kelly helped me craft my words into a quality short essay with my authentic voice.

-College Freshman 2025, Colorado State University

With Kelly's help I was able to go below the horizon and the tell truth of my story. I understand how to go deep, and feel more comfortable getting to the heart of my story.

-Memoir writer and executive coach

Kelly's coaching helps you see yourself in a way you haven't been able to before. She helped me take this process seriously.

-College Applicant, Spring 2026
Ready to Begin?

Let's find your best story

Book a free phone consult to see if working together is the right fit. I work with only a handful of students each year, so spots fill quickly.

Before we meet, I will send you a few questions to help me get to know you so we can dig in immediately when we connect.