Kathleen's Services
Essay Coaching
Custom coaching for Common App, supplementals and PIQs.
Seminars for students, teachers and college counselors on how to use my methodology in writing
Learn how to use my step-by-step approach in your own coaching. Includes a copy of the book in PDF or paperback.
Forthcoming book: How Ten Classic Movies Can Teach You How To Write A College Essay
The book moves step-by-step through the writing journey, with each chapter centered on a famous cinematic mantra:
Finding the Story: Uses The Invisible Man to help students move from being "invisible" data points to "visible" individuals by exploring their unique identity .
Getting Started: Introduces "Frankensteining"—scavenging life experiences like "body parts" to stitch together a rough draft, inspired by the 1931 Frankenstein .
Structure & Narrative: Uses The Wizard of Oz to explain the "Hero’s Journey" and Casablanca to teach how to "stick the ending" by focusing on internal transformation .
Style & Revision: Employs The Godfather’s "Leave the gun. Take the cannoli" as a rule for cutting "bad words" and The Terminator’s "I'll be back" as a mindset for relentless revision.
The book includes a practical workbook, student essay examples (ranging from a Russian computer prodigy to a Midwest waitress), and QR codes linking to the movie scenes.
Testimonials
“My work with Miss Kathleen, reading great books and learning how to write, made me the best essay writer in grade 12.”
--Victor, just admitted to the Stanford Class of 2030.
“As a wonderful mentor, Kathleen has taught me an astonishing number of things: unique structures for essay writing, being concise, constructing a story to build tension, and so much more....”
-- Azuo, grade 12 student at YKPAO school in Shanghai
“Coming from a disadvantaged background and not speaking English, I had no one who could guide me in this process of writing college essays and prioritizing my college choices. I met Kathleen through one of my colleagues. With her help, I was admitted to my first-choice school which is Northeastern University with a full scholarship. It would be nearly impossible for me to clearly convey my life story in my college essays without her. Because of her I will be able to pursue my interest in computer science at my first- choice college with minimal financial debt.”
--Nikita, who just graduated first in his class in computer science from Northeastern
“My kids love Kathleen for her knowledge, passion and sense of humor. Kathleen is a passionate educator who truly cares about her students. We are very fortunate to have her as a tutor, guide and friend.”
--Parent, whose son Harry, was admitted to NYU and daughter Bella, was admitted to Andover
Interested in a service but got questions? Don’t worry, I prepared a few answers.
What happens after I contact you?
You’ll get a response in 24 hours. I’ll ask you for more details about your goals and most likely schedule a call to iron out all the details.
Do you have a degree?
Yes! I have a BA in English and Creative Writing from Stanford University.
Do you accept all students?
I have limited availability, but I try to accommodate students who I think I work well with.
What do you charge for your seminars?
Each seminar is priced based on the number of people and the number of sessions.