One-on-one essay inspiration and support for undergraduate, transfer, and grad school applicants
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WELCOME! I imagine you’re here because you or someone you love is feeling the pressure of the college application process—particularly the essay. You’ve come to the right place! My multistep and time-tested coaching process begins with an extensive brainstorming session and then guides each client from a blank screen or sheet of paper to an application essay that reflects their voice, interests, and personal outlook on the world.
College Application essay Coach Pat Berry, MFA
I work with students of all backgrounds and writing abilities and view myself as a cheerleader, showing my clients how to make the most of their interests and life experiences in a form many aren’t used to—the personal narrative. My goal is to help each student develop confidence in their writing and to bring to every essay the unique way they connect their experiences, opinions, feelings, and ideas.
My coaching program is virtual—we speak by phone and use Google docs—so that I am able to meet with students across town, across the country, and sometimes across the world virtually.
Four- and 10-hour packages, as well as single-hour sessions, are available to undergraduate, transfer, and grad school applicants.
Please contact me for details. Let’s discuss how I can help take the stress out of applying to college!
— Pat Berry, College Application Essay Coach
P.S. For decades I oversaw regional alumni interviewing for an Ivy League university, and so I am also able to prepare interested students for college interviews with tips, résumé-writing support, and practice interviews.
“We believe that our son was accepted to Emory, as well as other colleges, based on his essay. Pat really worked with him to let his personality and interests beyond school shine through. He came across as a strong, well-rounded candidate. The same holds true for our older son. He was applying to competitive schools and his essay showed that not only was he academic but also had personality and interests beyond school. We feel that now that the SAT is optional, the essay is extremely important—and the only way to differentiate yourself from other candidates.”
“From the moment I, as an over-involved father, talked with Pat, I knew that she ‘got it’ and sure enough she clicked right away with my daughter. Their rapport during the 10 sessions couldn’t have been stronger and, for my daughter, for whom connection is everything, Pat’s tone, demeanor, encouragement, and professionalism created a trust that lasted throughout the process. Pat was not only able to help my daughter create a series of phenomenal essays [about] her year abroad and other experiences, but she did it in a way that made my daughter feel ownership and pride. Thank you, Pat. I would do it all over again if I had another child to send your way.”
Write application essays that are uniquely you!
“My daughter’s essay turned out so well that her boarding school in Michigan is using it as an example for others [and her] acceptance letters all referenced how much they liked her essay.”
“I just want to thank you for coaching me so well. I truly feel that you helped push me out of my comfort zone, which gave me the opportunity to better express myself with words—and language in general, something I needed at the time and benefits me to this day.”
“Pat worked with both of my daughters on what seemed like a daunting task. ... The stakes were high in this year’s college admissions process due to lack of test scores and the essay was more key than ever. ... Pat reduced the stress and brought out what my daughter wanted to communicate in a most compelling way. Thanks, Pat, for taking the time to do the ‘digging’ to really get to know your students and help guide them through this critical component of the college process!”
“Pat was a great support to both of my children as they were navigating the college essay process. (As we are just outside of Boston, they met by phone and used Google Docs.) Her knowledge of the process was comforting, and her unending support through their revisions was crucial.”