The college admissions process has become more selective than ever. For this reason, well-conceived and written essays have become a critical way for admissions counselors to get to know applicants, transforming them from stats on a page to living, breathing individuals. One-on-one coaching with Purple Pen College Essay Advisory helps each student focus on a personal narrative that reveals his or her character, empathy, maturity, college readiness and ambition as well as intellect. Among their many tasks, college admissions counselors are charged with assembling classes that function not only academically but also as a community. Student essays can provide them with the valuable information needed to do this.
I’ve created Purple Pen College Essay Advisory after a long career in magazine publishing, during which I ultimately became editor in chief of several award-winning national magazines. Today, I work independently with students or as adjunct support to the efforts of school guidance and college counselors. The result is personal essays and statements that best represent each student's strengths and goals.
Most important, because of my years of experience in publishing, I know how to combine storytelling with non-fiction content to create narratives that truly stand out. My students will not only write memorable essays and statements, but they will take these writing skills to college and beyond where they are so essential to success.
Before launching Purple Pen College Essay Advisory, I had a successful career in magazine publishing. (Purple is the color of the editing pen I always use, hence the name!) As a former senior-level editor, then editor in chief of several national magazines (Redbook, Self, Child, American Health for Women, Nick Jr.), I’m an expert at accessible communication. I’m able to help students and professionals at every age and stage find and develop their voices and maximize clarity, accuracy and conviction in their writing.
After over 20 years creating and covering parenting content, I’m equally qualified to communicate effectively—and with empathy—with teens during the challenging college application process. My personal experience as a mother of five college and graduate-school graduates has proven extremely valuable as a resource for current student clients. In addition to my professional and personal experience with the writing process, I have also been the director of New York University’s Summer Publishing Institute, the Editorial Director of The Child Mind Institute and an essay advisor with College Bound Initiative, an organization that places college guidance experts in high-need schools. I completed Harvard University’s Summer Institute on College Admissions in June, 2014. I am a member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) and of NACAC (National Association of College Admissions Counselors).
“Ten Survival Tips for Students and Parents,” is the college essay workshop, that I’ve presented at the JCC Manhattan and Scarsdale. I also launched “College Essay Boot Camp,” a two-day intensive course at the JCC Scarsdale, August 2016.
As an individual provider, I take on a limited number of students each year, so every one receives maximum personal attention. I look forward to discussing your or your child’s specific college application essay and statement needs and how I can help.