How we engineered our approach to writing coaching

When it comes to college essays, good writing isn’t enough. Your personal statement and supplemental essays need to capture who you are in a way that’s compelling, memorable, and impossible to ignore.

Our writing coaching model is built to do just that. Here’s how we do it:

1:1 Writing Coaching
We start with deep, personalized coaching sessions. Our team draws from experience in MFA programs, leading writing workshops, and guiding students through the process of finding their unique voice. These one-on-one sessions are tailored to you. We dig into your drafts, explore your most impactful stories, and workshop your writing until it’s the best version of itself. It’s more than just editing; it’s a journey to find what makes you, you.

Group Breakthrough Sessions
Sometimes, the best ideas come from collaboration. We host group writing sessions that are all about rapid-fire breakthroughs. In these workshops, students pitch key essay concepts, get instant feedback, and iterate in real time. These sessions are high-energy, fast-paced, and designed to help you push past writer’s block, refine your themes, and come away with clearer, sharper ideas. It’s a writing workshop, but reinvented for the world of college admissions.

Asynchronous Editing
When you’re ready to get your essays polished, we offer asynchronous editing with a quick turnaround. Our team provides mega-detailed line edits—every comma, every phrase, every nuance scrutinized. You’ll receive specific, actionable feedback designed to elevate your essays from good to unforgettable. And because we know time is precious during application season, our feedback is prompt, thoughtful, and thorough.

Massive Data Collection
Before we even start writing, we collect a treasure trove of information. We want to know everything: your background, extracurriculars, quirks, personal memories, family traditions, inside jokes, favorite teachers—anything that can make your narrative stand out.

We use this rich data to map out the perfect essay strategy. We plan a narrative balance that highlights your academic experiences, personal stories, and one-off details that will make you come alive to admissions officers.

This data also informs the rest of your application. We make sure your essays and activities section work together to paint a cohesive and compelling picture of who you are.

Our writing coaching isn’t just about putting words on a page. It’s about revealing your story in a way that’s authentic and impactful. Whether it’s a one-on-one session to refine your voice, a group workshop to find your next big idea, or line-by-line editing to perfect your drafts, we’re here to make sure your writing stands out.

Ready to write essays that turn heads? Let’s get to work.

Want to know more about our approach to college admissions? Take a look at our philosophy about college admissions. Our team page is also a great resource to meet the faces of Sierra and learn a bit more about what makes us special. Or if you have specific questions about our work, methodology, or logistics, our FAQ page is a great place to start.