Essay Coaching

Helping to capture a student’s singular, powerful, and authentic voice.

The college essay is the only personal voice an admissions office receives from a student’s written application. A glimpse into the student’s mind and heart, the essay expresses thoughts and views that distinguish each young adult. Admissions officers comb through thousands of essays each fall, which often begin to sound alike, making it crucial for students to articulate a fresh perspective and tell their story in a way that stands out and sets the student apart.

In the new, test-optional college landscape, the personal statement and essay have become more critical than ever. Often, success comes from individualized, intense coaching that helps the student write so engagingly that an admissions team will want to offer admittance. My years of experience have proven that excellent writing is a skill that can be taught.

Success lies in capturing a student’s singular voice. From topic selection to final editing, I teach techniques and strategies, and provide inspiration, to make writing application essays less stressful and actually fun. My editorial skills help teenagers shape ideas that will enlighten and entertain their readers, the college admissions teams.

My Services

  • This workshop package provides everything students need to start writing the Common App essay, including an understanding of the role of the personal essay in the application process, insight into how admissions officers evaluate essays, and guidance in choosing the best essay prompt. My workshops lead students to write compelling, original material, and to develop a plan for how that material —their personal story — can reveal their unique qualities.

    The Jumpstart Workshop includes: 2-hour, small-group session + 1.5 hours of one-on-one coaching.

    Jumpstart Workshop Package: $400

    (A rate of $120/hour is extended for any additional hours of coaching. Weekday and weekend hours, in person or via Zoom.)

  • Many colleges require additional short essays beyond your personal statement to get a better understanding of how you will contribute to the school. In this workshop, I focus on the supplemental question asked most often: “Why this school? How will you engage with our campus community?”

    I dig into the role of this particular essay in the application process, providing guidance on how to approach the question and research each specific school. We will also discuss how to organize the supplemental essay lists and how to dive into the short answer essays.

    Workshop includes: 2-hour, small-group session + 1.5 hours of one-on-one coaching.

    Supplemental Workshop Package: $400

    (A rate of $120/hour is extended for any additional hours of coaching. Weekday and weekend hours, in person or via Zoom.)

  • Whether you are looking for help in brainstorming, a session or two of drafting guidance, more sustained coaching through several drafts, or help with final editing, I provide customized support for all stages of the writing process.

    I offer the same tools as in my workshops, nurturing individual style and the writer’s authentic voice. Whether you arrive without a single idea or show up with a drafted essay, I’ll help you craft a final version that will make you stand out.

    One-to-One Coaching: $130/hour

    5-Hour Coaching Package: $600

    (Weekday and weekends, in person or via Zoom.)

  • I also offer support for graduate school admission essays, scholarship or honors awards, summer programs, and day school or boarding school admissions. If you have any type of application that might benefit from coaching, I can help.

    One-to-One Coaching: $130/hour

    5-Hour Coaching Package: $600

    (Weekday and weekends, in person or via Zoom.)

About Holley Camp

For the past thirty years, I have taught hundreds of students of different ages and abilities in writing and reading comprehension, and I continue to this day. Teaching both support and enrichment classes has convinced me that all students are able to rise to the level expected of them, when given the right tools and encouragement. Clear, meaningful writing is a talent that can be mastered.

I received my Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia and a Masters of Education, with a concentration in English, from the University of Alabama Birmingham. As a freelance writer, my work has appeared in many publications, and I am a longtime member of the National Council of Teachers of English.

I have a deep knowledge and appreciation of both public and private education. My own children attended St. John’s College, Pomona College, and the University of Virginia, where I maintain a close relationship as an involved alumna.

Get in Touch

holleycamp@gmail.com

205.533.2428