How are you different from other college coaches ?

This is an easy question. There is a basic answer: I focus exclusively on essays. I think that when people have a very focused area of expertise, they tend to be better in that specific area than those with broader knowledge. I can do the whole college planning and application process, but I would not recommend myself as the best person for that task, so I don’t do it. College counselors and coaches have years of experience managing this complex process. Many have been admissions officers themselves! They have all the up-to-date knowledge about the application process, read all the articles out there about how colleges are changing, and know the best tools to manage that process. I am not an expert in that field. I am an expert at college essays.

How are you different from other college essay coaches?

I work exclusively with ‘uncommon’ students. See the home page for what I mean by this. A frustrated parent once said to me: “Wow, I really never should have hired that other essay coach. They just read what Sam wrote, gave a few suggestions, and then sent it to their ‘editor’”. She then said something that caught me off guard: “you have a gift”. I’m a bit embarrassed to be sharing this publicly as I’m not the kind of person who boasts about their abilities. However, this is an FAQ and this is a reasonable question. Here’s the answer: I LOVE working on personal essays with students. I love getting to know them, to have a peek into their worlds, to develop a personal relationship with them. I think this is the real difference. This isn’t just a ‘job’ for me. I get to be a different voice in the student’s life, grounding them and supporting them in defining, maintaining, and communicating their identity while preparing for the most challenging transition nearly all of them have ever faced. I get to be in that liminal space with them. I can’t imagine anywhere else I’d rather be.

I want to learn more about you and your approach. How do I do that?

Check out the ‘The Process’ section. If you have further questions, I’d love to talk to you. A website should be as iterative as an essay. Your feedback will certainly improve the information I provide! Please Contact me or Book an introductory appointment with me.

I just realized that I only have four days until my application deadline and my essay is a mess. Can you help me?

Yes! Well, most likely yes. If I have current students who are willing to move their appointments with me and that makes sense for their timeline then I will make space for you. It will be intense and probably a little painful, but we can do it! Book the soonest introductory appointment and we’ll get you set up asap.

Will you write my essays for me?

I do love writing essays. It’s fun. However, the best thing about this work is seeing the smile on my students’ faces when they receive their acceptance letters and know that THEY did the work. I refuse to take that smile away from them.

I am an international student. Can you help me with my essays?

Yes, I have worked with many international students and would be happy to help you. Book an introductory appointment with me.

I am a college admissions coach/ counselor. Will you work with me and my students?

Yes, I’d love to help your students with their essays! Let’s talk about your needs and how I can help. Email me at write@uncommonscribe.com.

How much does it cost to work with you?

See the pricing section. If you’re still confused, please Book an introductory appointment with me. It’s free and I’d be happy to learn more about your financial situation and how we can work together.

Who are you? What makes you qualified to help me?

Please see the home page for further information about me and my credentials. The best way to see if we’re a good fit is to Book an introductory appointment with me.

Other unanswered or uncommon questions?

I’d love to hear from you. Contact me or Book an introductory appointment with me. If your questions are novel and seem likely to be frequently asked, I will definitely add them to this FAQ.