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PIQ and Common App Essay Coach
Ward S.

89 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $150
Response time: 1 hour

About Ward


Bio

For two years as a Stanford Hollyhock Fellow I studied how to help students write better. Through feedback that is both technical (the X's and O's of writing) and power-affirming (asking writers to think deeply about their effect on the reader), I have helped dozens of students get into colleges. In particular, I excel at coaching for the Personal Insight Question (PIQ), a college essay form unique to the UC system, and have led workshops on how to understand and use this type of essay. My...

For two years as a Stanford Hollyhock Fellow I studied how to help students write better. Through feedback that is both technical (the X's and O's of writing) and power-affirming (asking writers to think deeply about their effect on the reader), I have helped dozens of students get into colleges. In particular, I excel at coaching for the Personal Insight Question (PIQ), a college essay form unique to the UC system, and have led workshops on how to understand and use this type of essay. My students have been accepted to all nine UC's as well as other great Universities:

- UCLA
- UC Berkeley
- UC Santa Barbara
- UC Santa Cruz
- UC San Diego
- UC Merced
- UC Davis
- UC Irvine
- UC Riverside
- University of San Francisco
- Santa Clara University
- New York University
- Boston University
- University of Washington
- University of Virginia

I encourage both incoming seniors AND incoming juniors to start working on their essays now. Through the revision process, I will help them develop a better command of what they want to say and how they want to say it.


Education

Boston Univsersity
English
University of San Francisco
Masters
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $150
  • Rate details: If you know you want ongoing support until your essay is ready for submission, I'm glad to discuss a flat rate and meet with you however many times you need.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required
  • Background check passed on 4/5/2023

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

English

English

I position myself less as an expert and more as someone who is always trying to learn. Through WestEd's Reading Apprenticeship to Stanford's year-long Continuing Education on Formative Assessment, I've learned not just what to teach (the subject knowledge) but how to teach it (the pedagogical knowledge).
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

For the past year, I was a member of Cal State East Bay's Biliteracy and Content Area Integrated Preparation (BCAIP), which, in short, shifts the idea that I teach English to I teach bilingualism. In other words, I try to support both language developments.
Writing

Writing

Through feedback protocols and power-affirming questions, I get the student to think about their choices as a writer and the effects they may have on their intended reader. While my feedback is precise and clear, it is not designed to get them to change or correct their writing. Instead, I want the writer to see the principles or reasons behind my feedback; then they will be empowered to make better choices.
Literature
Proofreading
Ward S.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Ward before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Ward
Response time: 1 hour

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (35 ratings)
5 star
(35)
4 star
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3 star
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2 star
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1 star
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Reviews

Knowledgable and attentive tutor

Ward helped me work on my PIQs for my college applications, he helped me find ideas, begin my writing, and showed me how to structure my future writing. Our lesson gave me more insight into what admissions will be looking for and set me up with a clear path forward.

Elvira, 4 lessons with Ward

Knowledgeable and patient teacher

He made sure the student was at ease during the session. He read my daughter’s PIQs and the feedback was encouraging and constructive. She said she learned a lot from him even in a short time. We thank Mr. Ward for being patient and helpful. We are looking forward to future lessons.

Romina, 2 lessons with Ward

Kind and Informative

I appreciated the knowledge that Ward brought into our session when reviewing my PIQs. His feedback reflected that of an admissions officer. He was patient and regularly asked if I understood his feedback, which was great!

Hannah, 1 lesson with Ward

knowledgeable and patient tutor

I am the mother of a high school student, and we needed help with his essays right away. After our initial contact, he responded promptly. Given our desperate situation, his quick reply was a big relief for us. He is very knowledgeable, patient, flexible, and has a great personality. We have had several lessons, and my son's essays have improved significantly. We are truly grateful for his assistance. Moreover, my son enjoys his lessons. If you need a good tutor, I totally recommend him. I just wish we found him sooner and didn't have to rush at the last minute.

Rie, 4 lessons with Ward

Excellent college essay reviewer

Mr. ward reviewed my daughter’s college essay and gave her excellent pointer to make her essay better. His attention to detail helped her to focus on writing better content. I strongly recommend Mr.Ward for college essay reviews.

Shylaja, 2 lessons with Ward

Knowledge and Insightful

Ward's valuable comments and feedback guided my son in the right direction when it came to drafting his college essays (UC PIQs). I am so glad that we found an expert writer who is knowledgeable about the college admissions process.

Bourlien , 2 lessons with Ward
Hourly Rate: $150
Response time: 1 hour
Contact Ward