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College Admissions + English: writing, editing, study skills
Heather P.

5.0 (363 ratings)

932 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $65
Contact Heather
Response time: 25 minutes

About Heather

Bio

Hi! I’m Heath (Heather) P. I specialize in helping students gain admission to top universities—and in succeeding once they’re there. Whether you’re applying to undergrad, grad school, or working on academic writing at any level, I’m here to help you excel with clarity, confidence, and strategy.

I’m a trained admissions counselor with over 10 years of experience and 920+ hours working with students worldwide. From high schoolers applying to Ivy League schools to adult learners pursuing...

Hi! I’m Heath (Heather) P. I specialize in helping students gain admission to top universities—and in succeeding once they’re there. Whether you’re applying to undergrad, grad school, or working on academic writing at any level, I’m here to help you excel with clarity, confidence, and strategy.

I’m a trained admissions counselor with over 10 years of experience and 920+ hours working with students worldwide. From high schoolers applying to Ivy League schools to adult learners pursuing advanced degrees, I’ve helped students craft standout applications, develop strong essays, and stay organized through the process.

Education & Experience
- PhD, UC Santa Barbara – Chancellor’s Fellow
- MA (Distinction), Goldsmiths University of London
- MA (Distinction), Central European University
- BA, Summa Cum Laude, USC (English Literature & Theatre)
- IECA Member (Independent Educational Consultants Association)
-15+ years of experience as a writer, educator, and DEI specialist
- Former Hong Kong-based international admissions consultant

What I Offer
- College counseling (BA, MA, PhD, US/UK/Canada/Europe)
- Personal statements & supplemental essays
- Academic writing & research support
- Career development & graduate applications
- Homework help, proofreading, and study skills

Whether you’re just getting started or polishing your final draft, I’ll help you sharpen your writing, clarify your goals, and stand out with a compelling and authentic voice.

I'm friendly, focused, flexible, and ready to meet you where you are to help you get where you want to go.

Reach out any time to get started or ask questions!

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Education

University of Southern California (USC)
Bachelor's English Literature, Theatre
Goldsmiths University of London AND Central European University
Masters
UC Santa Barbara - Chancellor's Fellow
PhD
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $65
  • Rate details: Lessons will be charged in full from agreed start time failing at least 15 minutes notice; and canceled if no notice of lateness is received within first 15 minutes.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 3/9/2012

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Acting

Acting

I hold a BA in Theatre from the University of Southern California and an MA in Performance from Goldsmiths University of London. During over 17 years in the entertainment industry, I have worked as on camera, on stage, and on mic talent in a variety of roles. I can help coach you in performances covering a variety of genres, styles, and periods. My chops cover the historical and contemporary, Shakespeare and present-day. Find me on IMDb!
Career Development

Career Development

I offer career development support including resume and cover letter editing, interview prep, networking strategies, compensation negotiation, and effective use of LinkedIn. I began coaching peers as an undergraduate after completing a series of career development seminars through the USC Career Center. Since then, I’ve navigated multiple successful career transitions—from the film industry to communications, and ultimately into academia—earning two MAs and now pursuing a PhD. I also maintain a freelance career as a teacher, admissions counselor, and career coach. I’ve helped clients land roles in design and media, film and television, education and outreach, museum curation, and academic positions. My approach blends practical tools with thoughtful strategy, empowering you to pursue opportunities that align with your strengths and long-term goals.
College Counseling

College Counseling

I have over 1000 hours experience coaching students and editing applications for US admissions (the Common App and individual university supplements such as Cornell, Pepperdine, and USC), and UK admissions (UCAS). I currently work remotely as an Admissions Consultant The Edge Learning Center, based in Hong Kong, and I have completed a 20-hour training course with a leading private admissions consulting firm. Students, parents, and I work together to find universities with the best fit for the student's academic and extracurricular needs across AS, BA, MA, and PhD levels. I can help with any stage of the process, from advisement on course selection and summer activities during high school to college list making to application and interview preparation. My students are now at Princeton, Yale, U Penn, U Mich, Wake Forest, NYU, USC, Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, Chapman, and Los Angeles Valley College, to name a few. I counsel students with interests as diverse as film studies, business, history, sociology, physics, and theatre.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I bring a rich and varied background to creative writing instruction, with experience spanning literature, film, and theatre. I hold a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and have worked in the film and television industry preparing and coaching screenplay development. That work sharpened my skills in narrative structure, dialogue, and character development. I’ve also studied creative writing through workshops at San Francisco’s Brava Theatre Center, where I focused on cross-genre storytelling and performance-based writing. Whether you’re working on a short story, screenplay, personal essay, or creative nonfiction piece, I can help you shape your ideas, refine your prose, and build a compelling narrative. I work through structure and intuition to support your vision while helping meet your project's goals or rubric. Together, we can strengthen your voice and bring forth your writing.
English

English

Majoring in English, I got a lot of practice with many aspects of the subject. I learned how to write solid papers supported with research and quotes, which always earned high marks. Since graduating, I have tutored students in English and English as a second language for several years.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I have 5+ years of experience tutoring students in English, writing, and grammar. Many students who I have tutored spoke English as a second language. I work from the bottom up, teaching the foundations of the language and building upon those to create confidence. I tutor through a combination of reading, writing, and conversation.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I have over a decade of experience helping students strengthen their essay writing skills across disciplines, from high school English classes to postgraduate research. I support learners at every stage of the writing process: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, and polishing. Whether you're tackling a persuasive essay, literary analysis, personal statement, or research paper, I can help you clarify your argument, strengthen your structure, and develop your voice. My own academic journey—from high school to college to two Master's degrees and a PhD in progress—has involved producing acclaimed writing and mentoring others to do the same. I prioritize clarity, critical thinking, and strong thesis development, and I tailor my feedback to each student’s unique learning style and goals. Together we will help you complete a great essay and build confidence in your writing skills.
Grammar

Grammar

Grammar is a tough thing to master. Knowing the difference between "its" and "it's" and figuring out where to put your semicolons can be hard. I have specially designed worksheets to help you learn common grammar mistakes and tricks to help you remember. If there's a specific grammatical rule or subject you have questions about, we can work on that. I want to help make figuring out grammar easier. Oh, and I love commas!
Interview Prep

Interview Prep

Would you benefit from personalized interview preparation tailored to your industry, career stage, and goals? I help clients prepare for both virtual and in-person interviews through mock sessions, strategic question breakdowns, and confidence-building techniques. My approach emphasizes preparing thoughtful responses that highlight your strengths and values, being ready for moments of improvisation, and addressing common pitfalls and nerves. With over seven years of experience in career coaching, I’ve supported clients preparing for interviews in fields including media and entertainment, education, museums and cultural work, non-profits, and academia. I draw on my own career transitions—from film to communications to academia—as well as my training through university career centers to help others make strong, compelling impressions during interviews.
Literature

Literature

From poetry to prose, Milton to Larsson...there is so much written Literature that sorting through it can be daunting. Writing about it may seem challenging. Figuring out what the writer meant can feel impossible. But I can help. I have earned top marks in Literature since high school, and wrote a thesis on Shakespeare which scored A+ Honors during the final year of my BA. Together, we can read through your books, plays, or short stories, and work out how to effectively talk about and write about them to high academic standards.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

I have over 1000 hours experience working with students on personal statements, statements of purpose, and application materials for all levels (graduate and undergraduate) US admissions (the Common App and individual university supplements such as Cornell, Pepperdine, and USC), and UK admissions (UCAS). I currently work remotely as an Admissions Consultant The Edge Learning Center, based in Hong Kong, and I have completed a 20-hour training course with a leading private admissions consulting firm, which included crafting compelling and unique personal statements for a variety of subjects. Across AS, BA, MA, and PhD levels, I can help define goals, outline writing, and communicate fit and drive. My students are now at Princeton, Yale, U Penn, U Mich, Wake Forest, NYU, USC, Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, Chapman, and Los Angeles Valley College, to name a few. I support students with interests as diverse as film and media studies, business, history, sociology, physics, and theatre.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I have helped students in high school, community colleges, private universities, and postgraduate work proof essays, presentations, stories, and other pieces of writing. I can help with grammar, spelling, formatting, flow, style, and structure. I know MLA, APA, Chicago, and Harvard formats.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

I can help tutor you from start to finish, first creating an effective presentation, then conquering your nerves before presenting, and finally delivering a successful talk. Or, if you only need tutoring on public speaking, we can jump right in to leaning powerful ways to address a group, captivate, and maintain their attention. With 11 years of acting training and experience, I've done a lot of public speaking. But my public speaking background is not limited to the stage. I've taken several leadership classes in which we practiced public speaking and learned effective tools for writing and presenting speeches and orating well. I've founded clubs and societies which required constant public interaction, and I've worked in public relations. So let me help you become a better public speaker!
Study Skills

Study Skills

I have experience teaching students tips to help improve time management and organization, such as list making, progress monitoring, and goal setting. I can also help students with note taking, both in class and from readings, and equip students with the tools to complete research both on- and off-line. I have learned these skills in my college-preparatory high school, and applied them as I earned my BA and both of my MAs. I teach these techniques both through hands-on demonstrations, for example modeling which websites to use for research or how to take effective notes from readings, and also through talking with students about their current techniques so I can find out what is working and what could use improvement.
Theater

Theater

I have been studying theatre since age 12, when I began taking classes at the American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) in San Francisco. After exhausting their range of classes, I also trained at Judy Berlin's Kids on Camera before moving to Los Angeles in 2003 to attend USC, where I studied at the School of Theatre and received my BA summa cum laude. During my time at USC, I spent a year abroad studying theatre at Queen Mary University of London. I also participated in many student productions, acting, directing, and working with sets, lights, and sound. Not only do I have the American perspective on performance, but I have the British aesthetic as well, and I am experienced in most aspects of technical theatre production too! After my BA, I went on to study a Masters in Performance and Culture in London, and then live and work in Hong Kong teaching Theatre and English (and admissions consulting). I traveled widely in Asia and am familiar with multiple premodern and contemporary Asian Theatre traditions. I am now a PhD student in Theatre and Dance at UCSB. As a PhD student, I also teach theatre to undergraduates. In addition, I am a working actor with a background in many theatre styles, on-camera, and voice over, acting. I am well equipped to tutor in almost every aspect of theatre and acting, from performance to theory to history.
Thesis Writing

Thesis Writing

As a PhD candidate with two Master's degrees and over a decade of tutoring experience, I specialize in supporting students through the thesis writing process at undergraduate, Master's, and doctoral levels. I’ve worked with more than 200 students to clarify research questions, develop clear arguments, structure chapters, and refine academic language. My own writing has been recognized with competitive awards, high honors, and prestigious publications throughout my academic career. I provide support at every stage—from shaping early ideas and proposals to navigating advisor feedback and polishing final drafts. Whether you're stuck at the start or making final revisions before submission, I’ll help you create a focused plan and work alongside you to ensure your thesis is compelling, well-structured, and completed on time.
Writing

Writing

Over the course of my tutoring career, I have worked with more than 200 students across grade levels from high school to post-graduate to help improve their writing. Over the course of my academic career spanning high school, college, two Master's degrees, and now in-progress on a PhD, I have written award-winning papers that have earned me high honors across programs. I provide assistance for the whole writing process, from the initial brainstorm right up until final editing, or whatever specific parts you need help with. We can work together to set up a strategy and timeline to make sure you complete work you are satisfied with, on time.
Microsoft Word
Reading
Vocabulary
Heather P.'s Photo

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Response time: 25 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (363 ratings)
5 star
(359)
4 star
(3)
3 star
(1)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Student Counselor and College Application Selection, Essays, Financial Planning & More.

We have had great experience with Heath, they have made a big difference in ensuring our children get organized and follow a process from discovery of schools, researching key drivers based on our selection criteria. Helped in reviewing essay, guiding them to come up with comprehensive content which clearly identifies their strength.

Pramod, 22 lessons with Heather

Great Experience

My son found the session helpful. The tutor provided thoughtful feedback, practical suggestions, and valuable guidance to help him strengthen his college application essay.

Luke, 2 lessons with Heather

Amazing tutor for international and IB students applying to US universities!

I’m so grateful to have found Heath! As an international student applying to universities in California, it was difficult to find someone who understood my situation, especially since I’m doing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Knowing that Heath had previously taught IB in Hong Kong was such a relief, and I was really happy to find someone on Wyzant who understood where I was coming from. I spent quite a while looking for the right tutor and tried several others before finding Heath, but none of them were the right fit. After just our first lesson, I already felt confident that working with them would go well. They’ve been incredibly helpful with my essays and the application process, especially with my tight school deadline for Early Decision. I’m now about to submit my ED application, and I feel so much more confident than I did before. I’m really grateful for all the time and effort Heath has put into helping me, and I look forward to working with them on my other applications. I would definitely recommend Heath, especially to other international or IB students applying to US universities!

Hanna, 7 lessons with Heather

Knowledgeable College Counselor

My daughter had her first session with Heath and it went extremely well. They were very prepared for the session and gave great insight and recommendations for the personal statement and activities. We have already scheduled two additional sessions!

Rebecca, 7 lessons with Heather

Thank you, Heath!!

Knowledgeable, patient, and attentive. I had the pleasure of working with Heath on my personal statement and resume. I appreciated that they didn't sugarcoat the flaws in my writing and offered constructive feedback. Their insights were invaluable, and they tailored each session to my needs.

Nathalie, 4 lessons with Heather

Always super helpful!

I’ve booked with Heath multiple times and I can say with confidence that whatever you need help with, they’ll be able to help you. They’re adaptive, patient, and during our essay revision lessons, their suggestions always built on my foundation, never eliminating my voice.

Tinashe, 11 lessons with Heather

Heath provides outstanding college counseling!

Heath’s guidance is always thoughtful, actionable, and personalized. Heath quickly researches colleges to find the best fit for my daughter, and also offers strategic advice on course selection, including AP courses and academic planning. Heath helped build confidence and clarity about the academic path for my daughter. Highly recommended!

Kevin, 7 lessons with Heather

Excellent college planning support from Heath!

We just had our third consultation with Heath, and we couldn’t be more impressed. She is incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful, and truly understands how to guide both students and parents through the complex U.S. college application process. As parents, we often feel overwhelmed by all the steps involved, but Heath helps us organize everything clearly and gives practical advice that makes the process feel manageable. She also understands my daughter’s dreams deeply and gives her clear, encouraging guidance on what to focus on next to reach her goals. We’re so grateful for her continued support and expertise. Highly recommend working with Heath. She’s amazing!

Kevin, 7 lessons with Heather

Very kind and comprehensive!

Heath is super helpful and always gives elaboration on any adjustments they recommend. When booking, know that you’ll actually learn and that your understanding will be thoroughly broadened. After having booked a few sessions, I feel stronger when I write and I am always referring back to our lessons. If I could give 10/5, I would.

Tinashe, 11 lessons with Heather

Heath is a great coach!

Heath is an awesome coach! She quickly picked up on my deep-rooted issues—even the ones I didn’t tell her about—and gave me practical things I can do to get better. I was amazed by her capability of reading people in very short period of time and creating personalized training. Her session was interesting, challenging and well structured.

Jie, 15 lessons with Heather
Hourly Rate: $65
Response time: 25 minutes
Contact Heather