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Published Author|Expert in Application Essays, SAT & Advanced English
Marilyn M.

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Hourly Rate: $50

About Marilyn


Bio

Hello! I’m an ex-professor, published fiction writer, and graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, with a passion for helping students find clarity, confidence, and precision in their English.

I currently work as a college application essay consultant, where I’ve guided over fifty students through the full writing process, resulting in acceptances to top universities. I also design SAT Reading and Writing curricula that measurably improve student scores.

Previously, I taught creative writing...

Hello! I’m an ex-professor, published fiction writer, and graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, with a passion for helping students find clarity, confidence, and precision in their English.

I currently work as a college application essay consultant, where I’ve guided over fifty students through the full writing process, resulting in acceptances to top universities. I also design SAT Reading and Writing curricula that measurably improve student scores.

Previously, I taught creative writing at the University of Iowa, where I led both introductory and advanced fiction workshops. My teaching focused on core elements of strong writing while creating a supportive, collaborative environment. I’ve also worked as a writing center tutor and freelance editor, giving me extensive experience with students at many levels. My own fiction has appeared in New England Review, Santa Monica Review, and Best Debut Short Stories.

I help students articulate what they actually mean, moving beyond formulaic writing to develop a voice that feels authentic, specific, and compelling. I love helping students find the stories only they could tell.

My lessons are structured but flexible. Depending on your goals, we might focus on:

-Essay writing (academic, personal, or application essays)
- SAT/ACT Reading and Writing strategies
- Grammar and sentence-level clarity
- Creative writing and storytelling
- Building confidence in spoken and written English
I tailor each session to you: your pace, your strengths, and the areas in which you want to grow.

If you’re looking to significantly improve your application essays or test scores, I can help you get there with clear guidance and focused feedback. Let's embark on this journey together!


Education

Evergreen State College
English Literature
The Iowa Writers' Workshop
Masters

Policies


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Approved Subjects

College Counseling

College Counseling

Through ten years of experience helping students gain admission to competitive undergraduate graduate programs, I’ve developed an approach to application essays that can help any student stand out. I’ll be there with you through every step of the process–from brainstorming to outlining, drafting, and revision. As a former reader for college admissions departments, I know that the most important aspect of your application is setting yourself apart by telling your own unique story through your own unique voice. As a PEN/Dau award-winning writer, professor, and editor, I can give you the tools you need to craft memorable, impactful essays. Need a last-minute essay polish? I'm happy to help you reframe and refine your writing quickly and efficiently. Let me help you put your best foot forward.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I'm a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop and have previously taught creative writing at the University of Iowa, where I led both introductory and advanced workshops. My teaching focused on core elements of strong writing while creating a supportive, collaborative environment. I’ve also worked as a writing center tutor and freelance editor, giving me extensive experience with students at many levels. My own fiction has appeared in New England Review, Santa Monica Review, and Best Debut Short Stories. I am the 2019 recipient of the PEN-Dau award.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I have guided over fifty students through the college essay writing process, resulting in acceptances to top universities. I help students articulate what they actually mean, moving beyond formulaic writing to develop a voice that feels authentic, specific, and compelling. I love helping students find the stories only they could tell. In the age of AI, cultivating authenticity will help you stand out--let me help you find your authentic voice.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

I hold an MFA in Fiction from the Iowa Writers' Workshop. I also taught creative writing at the University of Iowa, where I led both introductory and advanced fiction workshops. My teaching focused on core elements of strong writing while creating a supportive, collaborative environment. My own fiction has appeared in New England Review, Santa Monica Review, and Best Debut Short Stories. I am the 2019 recipient of the PEN-Dau award.
Writing

Writing

I'm a published fiction writer with an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where I developed a rigorous approach to craft and revision. As a former university instructor, I taught introductory and advanced creative writing courses, guiding students in developing clear, compelling, and original work. I now specialize in AP English and college application essays, having supported over fifty students through the full writing process, from brainstorming to polished final drafts. My students consistently achieve stronger analytical writing skills, higher test scores, and successful admissions outcomes.
ACT English
ACT Reading
English
ESL/ESOL
Grammar
Literature
Proofreading
SAT Reading
SAT Writing
SSAT
TOEFL
Vocabulary
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Hourly Rate: $50
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