hiring a consultant Archives ~ Ivy writing professor & bestselling author guides applicants to Harvard, Yale, MIT & other top colleges with a unique, innovative & personalized approach "The best decision we made during the college process." "She taught me how to write and think." Students work with me, not a random staffer.

Ideal Common App Essay Timetable

April 9, 2022 Elizabeth Benedict 0

As an essay coach, I’m often asked, “What’s the Common App essay timetable? When should my kid start writing The Essay?” I’m so glad you […]

2021-22 UCLA Essay Prompts, Other U CAL prompts, plus U Michigan & U Texas Prompts

April 27, 2021 Elizabeth Benedict 0

This past year’s college application and admissions cycle has been unprecedented. With 1000 colleges, including the most selective, making SATs and ACTs optional, applicant pools […]

Those University of Chicago Essay Prompts

July 9, 2020 Elizabeth Benedict 0

“Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt. Mrs. Roosevelt didn’t really say that, at least in public, but one of this year’s […]

New/Old Testimonials: How I Coach Personal Statements for College & Medical School Applications

May 25, 2020 Elizabeth Benedict 0

Reading a new testimonial and one sent to me five years ago that I somehow forgot to post (how did that happen?!), I have been […]

Racist Rants Reverse Harvard Acceptance: Your College App Essays & Work Up in Smoke

June 17, 2019 Elizabeth Benedict 0

For a student whose recent life has been rocked by tragedy and high drama, a little more drama has just come his way. From The […]

Our Favorite College Application Essay Prompts: University of Chicago 2019-20

June 4, 2019 Elizabeth Benedict 0

Last year, the University of Chicago made a lot of news when it made requiring standardized test scores optional. YES, optional. Keep that in mind […]

New Testimonials – Class of 2023

January 30, 2019 Elizabeth Benedict 0

It is an immense privilege for me to work with students applying to college, high schools, summer programs, and graduate schools. These new testimonials are […]

Can I Rewrite My Common Application Essay after ED Rejection/Deferral?

December 9, 2018 Elizabeth Benedict 0

If you’re a senior in high school applying to college – or live in a household where someone else is – this coming week may […]

Beware: Hidden Brown University Application Essay!!

August 17, 2018 Elizabeth Benedict 0

For those applying to Brown, take note! The Writing Supplement section of the Common App lists 3 questions unique to Brown – one fewer than […]

Hidden College App Essays on the Common Application

August 13, 2018 Elizabeth Benedict 0

Beware, college applicants and parents! As you scour the Common Application for required and optional essays before filling out the application, be sure you’re looking […]