Produce your Best Work
With over fifteen years of experience, I've developed a flexible set of techniques for helping high school students, continuing higher education students, and working professionals to produce their best admissions essays, whether it be for the Universities of California, through the Common App, or for other public and private universities and colleges.
I help students find their best topics and their most authentic and positive voice. My style of teaching is simultaneously flexible and adaptable, while also firm, focused, and structured. I provide detailed notes from any brain-storming sessions, which often serve as outlines for first drafts or helpful guides for the next revision. When I review my client's work, I print it with enough space to make extensive notes, including suggestions for what to cut and what to emphasize to create coherent and strong personal statements that stand out. I scan these to PDF and email them to the client upon payment.
What People Have to Say
“Before I even started writing my essays, Gordy went over my resume and work experience to see which talking points I should focus on so that I can present the best possible package to admissions. I really liked how he gave me honest feedback about my essays. He was brutally honest on what achievements I should highlight and what admissions are looking for in terms of showing that I fit the school’s values.
I got into my desired program on the very last round of applications and I even received a scholarship from the school. I had a strong application based on work experience and academic achievements, but I strongly believe that my essays made me stand out more because it helped admissions get to know me better.”
“Gordy’s help with my law school admission statements was extremely beneficial. After refining some of my personal statements with his help, I was accepted to several law schools. I was even awarded $69,000 worth of scholarships, based in large part by the sophistication of my personal statement, of which Gordy was an integral part. His careful tutelage helped me to articulate exactly what I wanted, while he still enabled me to craft a letter that would be looked upon favorably by the highest academic establishments. I could not have been more pleased with his performance, and I would give him the highest recommendation.”
Rates
My rates are flexible, competitive, and based on income and field of specialization. I offer a free, 30-minute consultation, in person or over the phone, so that I can better understand your goals and needs. I am generally willing to to travel 5-10 miles from Berkeley and usually meet with people in their home or at a local café. We can negotiate a mileage free should you want me to travel farther.