Will you write my essay for me?

Simply stated, no. The Thoughtful Essay will not write the student’s essay for him/her. Not only would it be unethical to do so, but it would also be a great disservice for the student and undermine the authenticity of the college application process. The essays submitted will be the student’s work (of course, with help and guidance).

 

How do I book a complimentary consultation?

Book here:  https://calendly.com/thethoughtfulessay/15-minute-get-to-know-you-call.

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Where will we meet?

We’ll collaborate over Zoom. I offer appointments on weekdays and weekends, so finding a time is easy!

 

How will we work together?

We’ll meet over Zoom and collaborate together using a shared Google Doc.

 

How do I share my Google Doc with The Thoughtful Essay?

Add thethoughtfulessay@gmail.com as an Editor in a shared Google Doc to share it with me. Or you may email your work to me at thethoughtfulessay@gmail.com and I will create a shared Google Doc.

 

Do you charge by the hour?

Other than a Content Review of an essay or letter that's already been written, the Thoughtful Essay does not operate on an hourly rate. Rather, I feel it’s important to be able to spend the time necessary to brainstorm, get to know the student, his/her background, interests, and activities. In order for the ideal essay to emerge, thorough brainstorming and extensive discussions are necessary. From there, drafting, editing, revising, and polishing will take time.

 

How do I pay?

I accept most forms of payment including Venmo, Zelle, ApplePay, Paypal, MC, Visa, AmEx, and Discover.

• Proofreading, Resume, and CV Services: Full payment is expected before I begin working.

• All Other Services: 50% payment is expected upon booking first appointment. The remaining 50% is due after the 2nd or 3rd appointment depending on service. Other payment arrangements can be made ahead of time by contacting thethoughtfulessay@gmail.com

 

What is the difference between a Technical Review and a Content Review?

The most important difference between a Technical Review and a Content Review is that a Technical Review will not include any changes to the content of your paper or Letter of Intent. A Technical Review includes editing & perfecting punctuation, grammar, and spelling; creating pristine word choices and improving formatting; streamlining transitions and smoothing awkward phrases or sentences.

 

If you are open to a more in-depth analysis of the content and overall effectiveness of your essay or letter, then a Content Review is for you! We’ll dive deep into the content of your essay or letter and suggest changes and additions to better align you and your experiences with the program or institution to be sure you’re highlighting the values and contributions you’ll bring to their campus.

 

What is a “safety” school?

A “safety” school is a school where a student is almost certain to get into. This is a school where admission is highly likely based on a student’s profile. 

 

What is a “target” school? 

A “target” school is a school where your academic profile including test scores, GPA, and class rank fall well within the average of the latest freshman class stats. While the chances of being accepted are good, there is still the possibility of being waitlisted or denied.

 

What is a “reach” school?

A “reach” school is a school where your academic profile falls below the average of the latest freshman class statistics. 

 

What are my chances of getting accepted to an Ivy League school?

Ivy League schools are highly selective, and should always be considered “Reach+” schools for all students. Although a perfect academic profile, stellar extracurricular activities list, and pristine college essays will help boost your admission odds, these schools accept few students and regularly reject students with perfect grades and test scores. Classifying an Ivy League school as a target school is difficult for anyone. 

 

How many schools should I apply to?

I recommend applying to 6-12 schools. A good start is to create a college list balanced with 3 “safety” schools, 3 “target” schools, and 3 “reach” schools. 

 

What is Early Action?

Early Action acceptances to college are non-binding. Students receive an early response to their application but have until May 1 to commit. You can typically apply to multiple colleges under the Early Action plan.

 

What is Restrictive Early Action?

Restrictive Early Action is non-binding, however, you may only apply to one school under this plan. You may pursue admission to other schools under Regular Decision.

 

What is Early Decision?

Applying Early Decision to a school is not a decision to be taken lightly. Early Decision is a binding agreement meaning you may only apply to one school under this plan. If accepted, you must enroll. Additionally, if accepted, you are expected to withdraw your applications to other institutions. It’s essential to do your homework to be sure the school you are applying to for Early Decision is truly a good choice. It’s essential to know that if you’re accepted that your family can afford to pay the Estimated Family Contribution determined by the FAFSA or will be able to pay the bill that the college will send.

 

What is Regular Decision?

You may apply to as many schools as you’d like under this plan, and it’s non-binding.

 

What is Rolling Admission?

This means colleges evaluate applications as they receive them instead of waiting until a specified deadline to review them. Although they usually have a wide application window, you should set an early deadline for yourself and apply early. As spots fill up, it could become more challenging to gain acceptance.

 

Which font should I use for my college essays?

Use a 12-pt font that’s easy to read like Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial. Avoid anything cutesy!

 

Does my essay need a title?

Unless the directions specifically state that you need a title, you do not. Generally, a title is not expected for a college essay.

 

Are there any topics I should avoid for my college essay?

Your college essay is an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants and highlight who you are and the values and contributions you will bring to a college campus. The following topics are often ineffective and should be avoided:

• Sports injury or victory

• Your grandparent(s)

• Romantic relationship or breakup

• Rehash of your entire resume and accomplishments

• Illegal or immoral behavior even if you learned a lesson from it.

• The meta essay, which is writing about writing your essay or the college application process. It seems clever, but it’s not.

 

May I use contractions in my essay?

Yes! The whole point of your college essays is for the admissions committee to get to know you. Although you don’t want your college essay to read like a string of text messages to a friend, it’s not necessary to be overly formal in your writing. If you want to say “I’ve” instead of “I have,” then do so!

 

Can I be funny in my college essay?

Feel free to work some comedy into your essay; however, keep in mind humor can sometimes be subjective and misunderstood. While humor can make for a favorite college essay for a college admissions officer to read, it can also be completely disastrous. If you’re not a natural comedian, acting like one in your college essay might not go so well. Your best bet is to write a college essay that answers the prompt while also highlighting the contributions and values you’ll bring to the college campus. 

 

When should I ask for a Letter of Recommendation?

Timing is everything! I recommend asking for a Letter of Recommendation at least a month in advance, but giving more notice is better. If you’re a junior in high school, it’s even a good idea to approach teachers about writing a favorable Letter of Recommendation for your college applications in the spring of your junior year while the relationships with your teachers are still fresh.

 

Who should I ask for Letters of Recommendation? 

Colleges usually want letters from your core-subject teachers. Which teachers not only think you’re a phenomenal student, but also know you on a personal level? Also consider asking a teacher whose class you might have struggled in initially, but then after seeking help, you improved your performance. That’s a teacher who can attest to your hard work and perseverance!

 

How long will it take to write my college essay?

The time it will take to write your college essay will largely depend on your appetite for revisions, but for the 650-word Personal Essay on The Common App, a comfortable timeline is approximately 3 weeks. Expect brainstorming to take a few days, and drafting, writing and revising to take 2-4 weeks. If the rush to meet a deadline doesn't allow for 3 weeks, don't fret! The Thoughtful Essay can still help you compose a winning essay with an accelerated timeline.

 

Why do colleges ask for essays?

Who are you beyond your grades and test scores? Colleges ask for essays to gain a deeper understanding of who you are and the values and contributions you’ll bring to their campus. Think of your college essays as an opportunity for you to showcase the unique qualities and valuable contributions you will bring to their college campus.