FAQs

Are colleges moving away from the application essay, because of AI?

Short answer. Yes and No. Some colleges make it clear that they value certain aspects of your application more than other aspects; SAT, Grades, Extracurriculars, Internships, or Essays. Some schools have removed supplementals. Some schools that were Test optional have gone back to requiring SAT/ACT scores. Bottom line, Things are constantly changing. But, most schools still consider the application essay as a vital part of the admission selection process. Students with similar application components are distinguished through their Common App Essay. It sometimes means the difference between an Early Action acceptance and Waitlist.

What specifically do you support in the college application process?

I primarily offer application support specific to essay development. I also support activity section/resume development on the common application and supplemental/scholarship support. I have a wholistic approach to application development. What will college see when they look at your application. Never repeat information; expand. So we touch multiple topics if you choose the workshop. However, you will see. I purposefully keep my prices low, because the college application process takes enough from families - including mine, as I send my fourth and final child off to college. But I will give you advice that you can take or leave. I do not make promises. Every year is different. I do not guarantee student acceptances. But I do have a good track record of helping students be seen for what is most valuable in them.

What ages are the students you teach?

The WtI method is especially effective for older adolescent and young adult learners (13 - 21); however, academically advanced sixth and seventh graders can also benefit if they are ready to move to the next level. Students in grade school are often taught rote writing handicaps (such as listing multiple points in a single paragraph, and repetitive conclusions) which are counter to the WtI philosophy. WtI instruction is geared toward developing effective and appropriate academic writing for high school and college. I offer internship and scholarship application support throughout high school and college as well.

What if English is not the student's first language?

Your WtI tutor has years of experience teaching language learners and has developed effective and non-intimidating literacy strategies. With a focus on content development and using readily available resources, it is our belief that the more you write the more you learn. WtI points out common errors made by language learners and explains how to avoid those errors to create more effective content.

Will you write my essay for me?

Lol. This is not an essay writing service. (That would be plagiarism.) As a college teacher, I know about the prevalence of cheating. I know many students resort to cheating because they don't trust their own voices. But as I tell my students, you are better off learning to write, because one day, your lack of writing and argument skills will catch up to you, and your lack of literacy will be found out. Learn now, or pay later. The choice is always ours.

Are you licensed to diagnose learning disabilities?

WtI is not a diagnostic service, nor am I licensed or qualified to diagnose learning disabilities. However, I can work with your student to provide extra support to overcome certain hesitancies in learning which might have occurred due to a diagnosed disability. I do have experience working with many different types of learners. Above all students need a safe and supportive environment to work through the learning process. I have specific strategies that have proven successful based on research developed through my PhD studies in Literacy Research. Inquire if you have more specific questions.

Is academic tutoring only for students who are struggling academically?

Far from it! Write to Impress is here to develop critical skills necessary to be successful in more rigorous high school and college environments. All instruction is scaffolded to engage students in their zone of development and to encourage productive struggle no matter what their academic level. Additional enrichment can be provided based on your student's goals. For example, students who intend to pursue research can benefit greatly from learning about the APA guide used in Science writing for research proposals.