Book Free Consultation
Professional guidance. Holistic approach.

Help your student write the essay only they can tell.

For more than 10 years, I've helped students navigate the college admissions process with expert essay coaching, executive function support, and the perspective of a Columbia University MFA and Director of Essay Review for the world's largest college admissions company.

Rachel Sherman, Founder & Lead Essay Consultant
Rachel Sherman
Founder & Lead Essay Consultant
"I help students find their story — then structure the craft to make it work."
Students I've worked with have been admitted to
Institution icon
14
Years teaching in Columbia's MFA program
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1,000s
Essays reviewed as Head of Essay Review
10
Years of executive function coaching
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Top 20
Schools represented among student admits
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2
Published, award-winning books
The approach

A process built on craft, not a formula.

Combining an educator's patience with an insider's knowledge of what admissions committees actually look for, I help students break down the daunting essay process into clear, manageable steps.

An educator's eye

As a former Columbia MFA faculty and an award-winning author, I bring real craft instruction — not generic templates — to every session.

Insider admissions knowledge

As the Director of Essay Review for the world's largest admissions company, I know exactly what makes an essay stand out — and what gets overlooked.

A collaborative process

Using my experience as an executive function coach, I help students create realistic timelines, stay organized, and meet deadlines with confidence—without last-minute scrambling.

Testimonials

What families say

Services

Find the right level of support

Every student is different — some need help finding a story, others need a partner through every supplemental essay. Packages below can be customized to fit.

Essay Foundations

5 sessions
$1,650

Focused support to develop and refine your personal statement.

  • Personalized writing schedule
  • Brainstorming & topic exploration
  • Identifying a strong essay focus
  • Outline development
  • Draft feedback & revision guidance

Additional sessions: $350/hr

College Readiness Program (Ages 13–17)

Weekly mentoring
$5,000/cycle

A personalized mentoring program that builds the academic, organizational, and personal skills for future college success.

  • Executive function & organizational skill development
  • Study habits, time management & academic confidence
  • Reading, writing & communication enrichment
  • Exploration of interests, strengths & extracurricular opportunities
  • Age-appropriate introduction to the high school and college admissions journey
  • Parent check-ins & individualized recommendations

Full Application Support

Unlimited meetings
$7,500

Comprehensive support for students applying to multiple colleges and highly selective programs.

  • Everything in the Comprehensive Package
  • Unlimited meetings for one admissions cycle
  • Guidance on all supplemental essays
  • Strategic planning & timeline management
  • Priority scheduling & ongoing support

Individual Consulting

Hourly
$350/hr

Targeted support on a specific aspect of the application process.

  • Essay brainstorming
  • Personal statement review
  • Supplemental essay strategy & topic selection
  • Application planning
  • Final polishing

Professional Essay Review

Written feedback
$300/essay

Detailed written feedback before you submit.

  • Personal statement review — $300
  • Supplemental essay review — $200
  • Structural & content recommendations
  • Clarity & impact suggestions
  • Actionable next steps for revision
Rachel Sherman, Founder & Lead Essay Consultant
About Rachel

Meet your essay consultant

Hi, I'm Rachel — a college essay consultant who has spent the last 10+ years helping students find and tell their own stories. Specializing solely on essays, every session is focused entirely on helping your student write something original, cohesive, and memorable to admissions officers.

My approach draws on a varied background as an executive function coach, a fourteen-year adjunct professor in Columbia University's MFA program, and the Director of Essay Review for the world's largest college admissions company. Together, those experiences shape how I work with families, combining encouragement, creative instinct, and practical insider guidance.

I'm the award-winning author of two books and hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University and a BA in Literature and Photography from Bard College. My creative and academic backgrounds shape every aspect of my work, so students leave not only with standout essays, but with stronger writing and editing skills they'll use in college and beyond.

Get in touch

A free 30-minute consultation

Tell me a bit about your student and where they're applying. I'll follow up to schedule a call and talk through the right level of support.

Remote sessions worldwide; in-person sessions in Brooklyn, NY
Thanks — Rachel will follow up within 1 business day.