High School Students…
Let's start your College Essays!
One-on-one we will:
Find your passion prompt.
Brainstorm & spitball, free-write & draft, revise & polish your Personal Statement.
Study successful essays, figuring out how they work & why.
Find your voice.
Conceive & craft & complete this supplement: Why I Want to Go to Your School.
Take the stress out of the college essay.
Engage in the process in a fun & adventurous & creative way.
Get an early start on your essays.
Five sessions, according to your schedule.
Let your ideas, thoughts & memories take wing -- in words.
Your Essays
Introducing a package of five sessions for high school juniors to commence work on their college essays. I work with you when it works for you. The package is offered at a rate lower than my usual one-on-one rate. In our sessions, each student will ponder the set of Common Application prompts. We are on a hunt for your passion prompt, and find the prompt which resonates most deeply with you. During our sessions, your opening question to me — What do I have to say to get a Yes from this school? — will transform into What do I want to say about my life at this crossroad in my life? This switch is empowering. It is the source of the energy and excitement of writing. Your determination and diligence come into play. With me, writing the Personal Statement is a creative experience, a self-authoring experience. It’s an opportunity to learn and state, in a compelling way, who you are and what matters to you. Tears and stress convert into high-fives and smiles. Argh! moments turn into A-ha! moments. The result is a Personal Statement you are proud of.
Together we will spitball, brainstorm, draft and draft again. By the end of our sessions, the student will have a strong draft of his or her Personal Statement. Also, each will complete the supplemental essay: Why Are You Applying to Our School? Throughout this process, students will encounter this question multiple times. We will establish a procedure for answering by addressing one particular school from each student’s list. This complete and polished supplemental essay will serve as a useful model for many others.
Let’s get started!
Our work together is remote or in person, depending on your preference or location.
Five 1 1/2 hour sessions
The fee is $1,500.00
I work with you when it works for you.
Payment reserves space and must be made before the start of the session.
Payment: Venmo @ Featherinc, Devon O'Brien or PayPal: obriendevon4@gmail.com or Zelle.
For details, send me a message here; or contact me by phone (323-944-2171) or email at obriendevon4@gmail.com
Testimonials from
Students & Parents
“Writing college essays can be confusing and overwhelming, and Devon’s help was indispensable. She helped me identify the heart of each essay, and offered insights that allowed me to streamline my points and clarify my voice—all while keeping them my own. She made the process far more manageable and far less daunting, and I’m hugely thankful for her help and support!” — Belen S., Bates Class of 2027
"Devon was an absolute lifesaver! In a stressful time, she was a calm and helpful support. She provided skillful guidance and feedback that helped my daughter craft beautiful, powerful, and effective college essays." — Lucy S., parent of student, Bates Class of 2027
““I’m really thankful for all the help given by Devon. I’m an international student with a quite complex background. Devon helped me to get a clear line through my story and made it easier to write my Personal Statement. Also, she always encouraged me to dig into my deep heart, to think about my past and express my authentic voice in my PS. Devon has significantly helped my college application and I highly recommend her to all of you!” ”
“I wanted to let you know that Chloë applied early decision to Smith College and she was accepted! Thank you so much for all your help in this process. We feel like her essay was a big part of her getting accepted and it wouldn’t have been as perfect without your insight and editing skills.”
— Harmony
“Devon’s work was greatly appreciated. She helped me say what I was trying to say in a much clearer and more straightforward manner, without ever changing the core of what I was trying to express. She helped me reach the best version of my ideas, and gave me new vocabulary to use and experiment with here and there. Overall, she made the process of writing and editing feel a lot less stressful, and made me more certain of my ideas. Devon mainly gave encouraging feedback and helped me write the best essays I possibly could. If I were to try to do that alone it would’ve taken a lot longer. Most importantly, your essay will still be your own essay even with her help.”— N. Parsons.
“There is no one better to guide a teenager during the pressure-filled time. I highly recommend Devon. My son’s essay was better than anything I could have imagined.”
— M. Parsons
