Implementing the same keywords leads to homogeneity—the exact opposite of what you want in a college application essay.

Recently, a parent and longtime client of mine texted me a question: "Do you know anything about keywords in college application essays?"

In NYC, countless professional writers have side gigs as writing tutors or coaches…but their writing successes don’t always make them the best guide for your student.

As a middle and high school teacher, though, I found myself feeling increasingly disconnected from myself.

I’ve seen how these four skills can build student confidence and transform their writing.

I’ve never forgotten Mr. R’s patient guidance as he walked me through the essay basics.

Voice is connected to personal experience and our ability to make meaning of that experience. In other words, it’s what makes us human.

I tell students that in writing, voice includes details and perspective of our lived experiences, and the meaning we make from them.