My Approach

When working with students on their college essays, I take a personalized approach because this is one of the most personal assignments they will submit during their academic career. Taking that a step further, I meet students where they are in the process.

If they haven’t selected a Common App Essay Prompt, I use a questionnaire I developed from the given prompts to get them thinking. After they answer the questions, we discuss which prompt best showcases what they want colleges to know about them. In cases where a student has already started the writing process, I review their work, making certain that they’re answering the prompt and sharing details of their personality with the reader.

For students who have written complete essay drafts, I proof their work to make sure they nailed the prompt and offer suggestions on how they can tighten the piece into the focused essay it needs to be. I also offer coaching for personal statements, scholarship essays, and supplemental essays.

Depending on geography, I can meet with students in person or virtually. We work in shared documents so that we can easily rewrite passages and make edits together. While it is a collaborative process, I do not and will not write essays for students. I’m solely here to bring their story out of them and onto paper in a polished way that reflects their voice. The work students submit is their own and is a reflection of their creativity, abilities, and experiences.

Writing a personal essay is a new type of writing style for many students, and it can often be intimidating. I try to make them feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas so that they can find their story. Again, this is one of the most important narratives they will ever compose. That said, it needs to come from them.

Lori K. Tate
Founder and Essay Coach
Show Don’t Tell Essays