Students
College Application & Essay Writing | Homework Help
How do you start writing the most important essay of your life (so far)?
Many students are overwhelmed by the enormity of the college essay. They are frozen, stuck, afraid of failing; they don’t know where to start. It is from this place we embark upon our work together.
“I approach the whole student, not just the essay.”
- Gabriela Garay-Marvin
Transcripts, lists of extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation reflect students’ academics and other aspects of their high school careers. In addition, however, each person is made up of unique stories that can offer deeper insights into who they are — stories that may not necessarily come up in the rest of the college application process. That is where the essay comes in.
The college application essay fills in the gaps, it rounds out, and completes the picture of the student’s unique qualities, and who they are.
Our collaboration begins with listening: I listen to students’ stories, their doubts and their dreams. I assure each one of them that their fears are not only normal, they are a great place from which to ask the right questions about who they are, what they want, and how they can write about it.
Interested in learning more? Book a free consultation call to get your questions answered!
College Application & Essay Writing | Homework Help
I work with creative & independent students.
My students don’t like to be told what to do. They are interested in getting more out of the college application process than simply getting it done and ticking the boxes. They enjoy individual adventurousness, some external (they are into sports and travel), and some internal (they are poets, painters, artists, musicians).
My students are complex human beings with multiple facets to them, and, more than anything, they want to figure out the right way to bring the most important ones to the fore.
It is not easy to write about oneself. Sometimes, there seems to be so much to say, or students are worried they don’t have anything to say at all. Too often, they are scared of saying the wrong thing. Our work starts with collaborative exploration, followed by a narrowing of focus.
My students have been accepted to:
A unique approach means stand-out results.
Depending on the student, there can be two, three, seven, or thirteen drafts within each stage of the process. We engage in feedback and questioning through an ongoing back-and-forth conversation.
Stage 1:
What do I want to say?
MEET 1X A WEEK
We begin our work together by examining which parts of themselves they feel are not represented in the other application questions. Too often, students are focused on whether schools will “like” them. Instead, we pivot that doubt into inspiration and impetus for using their essay as a way to put forth the aspects of themselves of which they are most proud.
Stage 2:
How do I want to say it?
MEET 2X A WEEK
The process of writing is very personal and part of our work consists of figuring out how students write best. Together, we identify what they enjoy most about writing, and we focus on that. My hope is for each student to come away from our time together with more confidence in their writing, and clarity about their writing process, voice and style.
Stage 3:
Polish it up.
MEET AS NEEDED
We rework until we land on the final language. By the time students send out their applications, they are focused not on whether a school likes them, but whether the school is ultimately right for them.
What Students Are Saying
“Entering into the process of college apps, I was lost and confused on where to start.
Things like the FAFSA, CSS Profile, demonstrated interest, and Common application seemed overwhelming and I started to procrastinate. Meeting with Gabriela completely reassured me that I had what it took to complete these applications. Meetings with her were enjoyable and every time,
I left knowing that I was one step closer to being accepted to the college of my choice.”
— J.
“Gabriela doesn’t only teach you what’s right or what’s wrong, she teaches you how to be your own person, your own teacher.
Whether you’re writing a college essay or a book report, she brings your ideas forward and helps you share them with the world. She is loyal, kind and smart. She will never just be your tutor, she’s your friend.”
— A.B.
From the Parents
“Gabriela works with both my son and daughter. Both have completely different learning styles and ways of being in the world.
Gabriela truly sees both of them as who they are and inspires them to dive deep into learning
challenge themselves and enjoy the process. Such a gift to have her in their lives.”
— J.B.
Going into the college essay writing process can be very overwhelming for both parent and child. Gabriela made this somewhat daunting process, seamless in every way. She expertly guided H as she gathered her ideas, high school and life experiences and supported H in focusing them into meaningful college essays that reflected H specifically and originally.
Gabriela fostered confidence in H and helped H convey HER purpose, HER personality and HER intent for each college that she chose to apply to.
— Parents of a Berkeley Bear