• What makes our application and essay coaching services unique?

In today's highly competitive college admission atmosphere, it is not enough to merely go through the motions of completing and submitting your application. Students must persuasively convince the admission committee of their merit as an applicant.  Gail's background as both a litigator and appellate attorney, allows her to guide students in producing a persuasive and compelling written application that will argue their case for admission.  Oftentimes, the process entails going beyond the application itself (e.g. submitting additional materials which highlight an achievement and supplement the application).  As a parent and as an educator, Gail has spent years teaching high school students oral and written advocacy skills. She understand students, relates to them well, and has developed a system to teach the skills necessary to be an effective advocate in the college admission process.  Graham combines the "application-to-offer" advocacy approach with an intensive background in writing and critical analysis from Columbia University.  He is an experienced writing tutor for high school students and provides expert guidance not only on writing a powerful essay but a persuasive application for admission.          

  • How does the coaching process work and what are the costs?

We work one-on-one with students to review their list of schools, suggest ways to enhance and distinguish their application, brainstorm essay topics, develop an outline to guide essay writing, and collaborate on revising and polishing essay drafts.  Meetings may be in person or remote via zoom, email or phone.  Depending on the services required, communication may be exclusively by email. Fees will vary depending on the combination of services needed. Please contact us for more specific information.

  • How does our SAT/ACT prep stand out?

Our SAT/ACT prep goes beyond simple instruction. It is part of a more comprehensive consulting process that is designed to help your application become as strong as possible. This means that we not only provide test prep instruction but also guidance as to what testing options may work best for you. Once we have identified your test plan of action (which exam(s) you’re taking, your preparation timeline, and your target scores), we create a test prep plan suited to your specific needs. Versed in the ins-and-outs of the SAT & ACT, we identify your test-specific areas that need the most improvement and impart practical strategies that can help you improve your score, regardless of your aptitude for a particular subject. Additionally, we provide effective instruction in the relevant reading, writing, and math concepts and make sure that you get the practice you need to feel confident when test day rolls around.

  • Where have our students been accepted?

Our students have received scholarships and been admitted to colleges and universities of their choice including:  American University, Boston College, Catholic University, Carnegie Mellon University, Case Western Reserve University (PPSP combined medical program), Cornell University, Columbia University, Davidson College, Duke University, Elon University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Harvard University, High Point University, James Madison University, Johns Hopkins University, St. Mary's College, University of Maryland Honors College and Park Scholar Program, Marquette University, US Naval Academy, New York University, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, North Carolina State Park Scholar Program, University of South Carolina, University of Pennsylvania, Penn State University, Salisbury University, Syracuse University, Vanderbilt University, Villanova University, Virginia Tech, University of Virginia (Echols Scholar Program), Wake Forest University and College of William and Mary.