1:1 Coaching for a Teen’s Most Important Assignment
In a Chat GPT era, it’s more critical than ever that a student’s voice and unique background shine through their applications essays.
Using my interviewing, writing and editing skills honed through a journalism career, I help students find — and tell — compelling, authentic stories.
About Me
I’m Elizabeth Held, a writer and editor living in Capitol Hill. I’ve contributed to USA Today, Slate, Time and Vulture, among others, and HarperCollins will release my first book, a piece of reported nonfiction, in 2028.
I specialize in narrative development — finding the through line or theme that seamlessly connect a series of ideas together.
I love using my decade plus of experience to help students tell their stories, learn critical writing skills and gain admissions to their dream colleges.
My Process
Many — if not most — high school seniors have never written the kind of personal essay that stands out in an elite college’s applicant pool. I make the task less daunting by breaking into a series of manageable steps:
Initial Consult: I hold a brief meeting with parents and students to ensure our goals and approach are aligned.
1:1 Interview and Brainstorm Session: Drawing on my journalism experience, I conduct an in-depth interview with your student to identify possible topics and themes for their essay.
Rough, Rough Draft: We start by getting the basic ideas of the essay down on paper, knowing the language and storytelling can be strengthened later.
Topic Refinement: We’ll meet to discuss the rough draft and further home in on an interesting, engaging topic and theme for the essay.
Edit and Revise: I provide in-document notes and revisions, and then meet with a student to talk through edits and suggestions. We’ll repeat this step at least two times.
Final Polish: I give the essay one last final review and proofread.
Packages and Pricing
Hourly Support
Core Application Essay
Ad hoc services, including:
Brainstorming session
Essay review
$200/hour
12 hours of coaching and editing, including:
• Initial interview and brainstorm session
• Rough draft review session
• Two rounds of review and discussion
$2000
Core Application Essay & Supplemental Essay
15 hours of coaching and editing, including:
Initial interview and brainstorm session
Rough draft review session
Two rounds of review and discussion on core application essay
Two rounds of review and discussion on one supplemental essay
$2500
Core Application Essay & Three Supplemental Essays
20 hours of coaching and editing, including:
Initial interview and brainstorm session
Rough draft review session
Two rounds of review and discussion on core application essay
Two rounds of review and discussion on three supplemental essays
$3500
Ready to Get Writing?
Send me a quick note and I’ll get back to you shortly to schedule a free 30-minute consult.