College Essay Coaching
So standardized testing is all wrapped up and your student is looking forward to their next big shift: the college application essay. The idea of summarizing your entire self in 250 to 650 words can be daunting. What’s the best story to tell? Is the moment too big or too small?
Our college essay program offerings are meant to help students find that core narrative – the one that gets them elevated from the application pile. We start first by brainstorming the Personal Statement, covering sensory writing and the proper story arc. From there, we’ll guide your student through researching and developing the shorter supplemental essays like the fundamental “Why our College/University?” to those out-of-the-box topics like “Where in the World is Waldo?”
Our tutors are skilled in grammar and structure, using their prowess to not only Analyze students’ essays but provide Feedback with instruction on the core rules behind punctuation, transitions, and sensory writing. At the end of our program, students will leave with a folder full of drafts and polished essays for those EA, ED, or RD deadlines.
The Top Score College Essay Coaching Programs & Process
College Essay Program Options
1
College Essay Essentials Program
- The Essentials Program [Personal Statement Essay + Why Us]
- 3 lesson package (8 hours total)
- 5 hours of 1-on-1 in-class instruction
- 3 hours tutor analysis & feedback outside of the sessions.
- Student Deliverables
- Polished Personal Statement
- “Why Us” formula and sample draft
2
College Essay Extended Program
- The Extended Program [Personal Statement Essay + Why Us + Supplemental Essays for Five Schools]
- 6 lesson package (16 hours total)
- 10 hours in-class 1-on-1 instruction
- 6 hours of tutor analysis & feedback outside of the sessions
- Student Deliverables
- Polished Personal Statement
- “Why Us” formula and sample draft
- 5 school supplementary essay sets (this means they will do all the supplementary essays for 5 schools of student/family’s choice)
- Organization and tracking of their 5 schools and all their supplements. Blueprint for student to complete the rest of their essays for schools not in that top 5.
- Access to their Top Score Essay Tracker for keeping to deadlines and adding schools beyond the top 5.
College Essay Methodology & Deliverables
College Essay Coaching FAQ
The earlier students start, the less stress they have at the beginning of their senior year.
For both our Essentials and Extended programs, we recommend that students begin working with a Top Score tutor in mid-June so that we have the Personal Statement finished PRIOR to August 1st – when the Common App goes “live” and supplement essay topics are released. The goal is to have essays set by start of the school year.
We can help with supplemental essays for any application round. Early Decision (ED) & Early Action (EA) are usually due in early to mid October or November. Regular Decision (RD) applications are typically due in January.
Our College Essay programs are exclusively for the written portions of the applications. Our tutors do not assist with filling out the personal information or supplementary questionnaires for the Common Application.
Yes! Our tutors are well-experienced in assisting with college transfer essays.
The main portions (such as personal information) for Common Application can be filled at any time. August 1st is when the colleges roll out their applications and supplemental essay topics.
Our College Essay Extended Program costs $2,000. Our College Essay Essentials Program costs $1,000.
Charlotte Gosnell is our College Essay Lead Instructor and Program Developer. Charlotte brings a depth of experience as an SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, college essay, study skills, and English instructor. A Duke graduate with a certificate from the Columbia Publishing Course held at Oxford University, before joining Top Score, Charlotte worked for an independent publisher. As a daughter of an independent college counselor, she’s had a firsthand view of how to craft compelling college application essays. Charlotte is an engaging and responsive tutor who aims to help students find their narrative. In her free time, you’ll find Charlotte perusing used book stores across the Triangle and walking her mini Australian Shepherd along the Eno River.
Isabella DeCarlo, a Duke graduate and licensed high school English teacher has long been passionate about helping students meet their academic and college essay goals. Isabella’s approach to college essay support focuses on centering her tutoring on making meaningful connections with her students so that she truly understands their personal stories and unique narratives. In addition to her tutoring work with Top Score, Isabella works in student affairs at the University of Maryland. This position allows her to stay connected to the day-to-day experiences of current undergraduates. In her free time, you’ll find Isabella planning her next European trip or cheering on the New York Giants.
Learning is
enhanced
through:
In-home and 1:1 learning structures with remote tutoring options.
Proven and motivational career tutors who serve as advocates.
Long term support at every step of the student journey.
Transparency with no hidden or extra fees since partnership extends beyond an hourly rate.
