Susan Wolf coaches college and graduate school applicants through the process of writing unforgettable, killer essays.
Susan allows you to see her process so that you learn the right way to edit your own work. A skill that will help you succeed throughout your academic life.
Susan’s Philosophy
You don’t have to write a flawless Pulitzer Prize-Winning Essay but you do need to reveal something about yourself that an admissions officer won’t find in impersonal numbers and scores on your transcript.
Think of the personal essay as a chance to step back for a moment, look within yourself, and then share your take on something that has touched you emotionally, outraged you morally or struck you as unexpectedly funny.
One unforgettable essay came from a student who claimed he had nothing to write about. When asked why he replied that he lived in Los Angeles and didn’t have a car. This non-topic became the basis of a witty tirade about the car culture in Los Angeles compared to New York, his former home, where everybody walked or could take the subway. This student never considered one of his greatest peeves a suitable essay topic until he wrote about it during a brainstorming session. Not only did this student get into his first-choice college, but he was asked by the admissions committee to use his essay as an example of one that was both entertaining and socially-conscious.
About Susan
Susan’s ability to identify and draw out your unique voice, plus her relaxed, unconventional method, will make the application experience a validation of who you are, rather than a stressful hurdle. In addition to providing college essay help and coaching graduate school applicants, Susan offers writing and editing services to professionals, corporations, screenwriters and authors.
Susan received her B.A. in English Literature from UC Berkeley, followed by an MFA in Theater Arts: Writing/Directing from UCLA. She has worked as a writer/director in film, television, and theater. Susan is also a published author.
Her ear for a good story led to Susan’s recruitment in 1992 by the charitable organization, “One Voice,” to provide college essay help and coach inner-city students on their personal essays for college applications. Word of Susan’s ability to teach the art of the personal essay has gradually spread from Los Angeles to New York City and abroad.
Susan works with students in person or via phone and internet (Skype & Google Docs). Contact Susan Now and get started on your road to application success!
See What Students Are Saying About Susan
"Susan was a lifesaver during my college essay writing process! From brainstorming creative topics to editing the final draft, Susan was by far the most helpful aide I had. The college application process can be so overwhelming, especially with the numerous essays required at each school, and to have someone to coach you, and yes, at times hold your hand, saved my sanity and my applications. Susan is the most supportive, creative and compassionate woman that I have had the pleasure of working with and I have no doubt in my mind that when grad school applications roll around she will be the first one I call. Thank you Susan for everything you have done! You’re amazing!"
Emily
Pitzer Class of 2010
"Susan not only helped me to write the best personal essays I could, but also taught me how to express myself in clear, concise and persuasive prose. What I learned from her helped me get into college and allowed me to flourish there. In fact, Susan's emphasis on brainstorming, free-writing, rewriting, and self-editing have become the cornerstones of my own writing process, which has served me well professionally and personally. Susan is a teacher and mentor of unparalleled wisdom and skill. She is my personal guru, and I sing her praises to the heavens daily. I cannot recommend her highly enough. If you ever have the chance to work with Susan, grab it!"
Jonathan
Yale Class of 2002
"Susan Wolf helped me throughout--from conception to execution. She was a guide and mentor, helping me refine my ideas and craft a series of application essays. Working with Susan was instrumental for me, and the single reason I believe I got accepted. She helped me keenly identify the things that could help distinguish me from the hundreds of other applicants. She worked with me to make sure that my essays were more lucid but still retained my voice. As a writer now for the Wall Street Journal, that was very important to me. I've worked with a lot of editors in my job and can honestly say that she is exceptional. I feel very lucky that I got a chance to work with her on my college application process.
Jessica
Princeton Class of 2004
"As a writer, its my job to tell stories. One of the hardest stories to tell is your own story. Susan Wolf helped me tell my story. If it wasn’t for her knowledge and dedication, I don’t think I would have been admitted to the college of my choice. It is rare in life that we meet someone who truly cares for our well being. Anyone who has the opportunity to work with Susan will get 100% of their money’s worth."
Andrew
Emerson Class of 2014
"Susan listened to the personality beneath the words of my first draft and pushed me to create a unique college application. She has the experience to guide you and the energy to spark your writing."
Jennifer
Duke Class of 2013
"Susan is a breath of fresh air in the college application process and gives you the tough love you need. She's direct, insightful, and knows exactly what to tell you to move your application to the next level - whether it's thinking through schools, assessing your application as a whole, or wordsmithing your personal statement. Most importantly she performs her job within a context of caring and fun so that working on your app becomes a fun challenge rather than a source of dread. She was critical for my results and the process couldn't have been better!"
Evan
Harvard Class of 2007
Ready, Aim, Fire!
It’s time to start your college search. But not so fast. Do a little research first. Check out informative college websites, take an online tour, read reliable college guide books and get feedback from friends who are already in college. Deciding where you will fit in and thrive for four years to come is a journey with many detours. So don’t rush it. Give yourself plenty of time to get lost, change directions or stop and refuel.
Try It On First
How do you know where you want to go to college? What do you do to find out? The answer is found through personal experience. Visit a variety of local colleges and universities. You need to hang out at a sprawling state university, sit in on a seminar at a small liberal arts college, check out an 8’x10′ dorm room, and eavesdrop on students in the dining hall. After doing this personal research, you’ll be surprised at what fits, and what doesn’t.
Highlight Your Passion
Colleges want a renaissance class made up of all types of students. What is your special talent? What sets you apart? Everyone has something they are passionate about, whether it’s quirky, off-the-beaten-path or more mainstream. Your individual passion is the thing that sets you apart from other college applicants and will ultimately round out a diverse class. When Susan provides college essay help, her specialty is to draw out your uniqueness and show you how to successfully communicate “who you are.”