Frequently Asked Questions

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 Not really. Even so much as using Grammarly to adjust based on phrasing and word choice can transform a lengthy teen-written essay (that's generally easy for a trained eye to condense down to the most relevant parts) into something that sounds robotic, generic and lacking a young voice. 

 Of course, but I'm going to tell you right off the bat that I'll need the unadulterated version. I can show you how even a disjointed, teen-written narrative is better than a ChatGPT counterpart. .

 I'm always back in the Google Doc with my student between 24-48 hours once notified they're ready for me (typically 24 hours, though). If your child can commit to working every other day, then it's usually brainstorming through final copy in 2.5-3 weeks.  If they're super dedicated, it can take a few days. If they're super busy, it can take a few weeks. Your child will never be waiting on me, though. I can guarantee it. 

 Again, if your child is committed working in the Google Doc every other day, it should take a few days to a week, depending on the severity of the required edits. 

 There are some seniors who apply to colleges that do not require essays. There are some who apply to essay-optional colleges (where the 'option' is highly suggested to write the essay, regardless).  There are some who just have to write the one Common App essay. There are others who have one Common App and one supplemental. There are some who have the Common App essay and a handful of supplementals. Others apply via ApplyTexas for those essay prompts; others take on the 4 Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) for UC schools.  "How many" depends upon your colleges of choice and their specific requirements.  Honors College applicants? Tack on some more essays for you, too!  Extenuating circumstances, scholarship essays, whether you moved high schools or not--those are some other essays. And don't even get me started on letters of continued interest! 

 Payment is due upfront. In the past I've had to chase people for remaining balances and I don't like bothering people for money.  However, if this complicates anything for you, reach out! I'm very flexible. For the method of payment, I take Zelle (631 626 8572) and Venmo (@Kellie-Murphy-1). 

 Zooms are conducted on an *as needed* basis.  If you're more comfortable with a Zoom to go over a brainstorming idea, hash out how to phrase some sentences, ask questions too convoluted for a Google Doc, if you're better talking than writing, or if you want to assess feedback from a critique "in person," then let me know! Due to scheduling and time zones they are not always available immediately, but I always try to make it work. 99% of the time my students and families have an intro Zoom to say "Hi" and that's the only time we ever meet face to face. 

 Unfortunately not--and neither can any other IEC/college consultant. The colleges that former/other students have been accepted to are not a testament to the power of the professional with whom they worked, but rather a comprehensive set of factors that are totally student driven. If a student comes to me in 12th grade with high stats and writes an amazing essay and gets accepted into Harvard, that's their accolade, not mine. If a student comes to me in 12th grade with low stats and writes an amazing essay and doesn't get into Harvard, it's not because of the essay-it's because of a variety of other factors. The essay is one part. 9th-12th grade grades are another.  ACT/SAT scores are another.  Course rigor is another. The list goes on... 

 Yes! Want to schedule a free 20 minute call or Zoom like a meet and greet to let me know any specifics for your child or if you have any questions? Reach out! Would your child like to ask any questions, too? Happy to meet with whoever needs to chat! 

 Spring of Junior Year is when Common App essay prompts are released. Many students begin to sign up with me then to secure my services OR after AP season is over to begin comprehensive coaching over the summer OR in the fall of senior year to begin a more demanding balance of comprehensive coaching or essay review.  

 Whenever they spark an interest in building one! The max fee is a one time flat fee for keeping me around for all of high school to create, adjust and tweak it. So whenever you're compelled to start visiting and really putting thought into dealbreakers and must-haves. 

 Unlimited. I think it's nuts for CEPs/IECs/essay specialists to charge an hourly rate for "brainstorming" when brainstorming is so personal and so time consuming to get it done right. There is no such thing as a 5 step college admissions essay creation process. It's unique per child, per family, based on ability, comfort and timing.  Does your child ask a lot of questions? Do you? (I know I dot!) Don't worry, I'm accessible for any and every part of this process.  You're not going to "waste" a session by asking questions versus writing; you can ask and write as much as you'd like.