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Upbeat & Effective Essay Writing & Test Prep Expert w/ CMU MFA
Brandy C.

5.0 (600 ratings)

2,373 hours tutoring

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About Brandy

Bio

I'm Brandy! I'm an award-winning writer with a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and a certificate from CMU’s Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence. I've taught college and high school for over 10 years, in and out of the classroom. I'm passionate about meeting students where they are in order to help them get where they want to go!

After working with me, SAT students have raised their English scores over 150 points, while GRE students report increases upwards of 15...

I'm Brandy! I'm an award-winning writer with a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and a certificate from CMU’s Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence. I've taught college and high school for over 10 years, in and out of the classroom. I'm passionate about meeting students where they are in order to help them get where they want to go!

After working with me, SAT students have raised their English scores over 150 points, while GRE students report increases upwards of 15 points. Adult students report greater workplace success in their written communication, and I've helped high school students earn scores of 5 on their AP Literature & Language exams and raise class scores into the "A" range. I love to help students write impactful college admissions essays that showcase their unique voice; my essay students have been admitted to Cambridge, MIT, Northwestern, NYU Tisch, Wellesley, George Washington University Law School, the US Navy Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP), and top US medical schools.

As a tutor, I go the extra mile to personalize my lessons to the needs of each student. I always treat students as individuals, identifying challenge areas and generating unique lesson plans to target learning goals together. I believe in helping students find their own answers, and always translate specific tasks into generalizable skills. I have worked with students from middle schoolers to corporate executives, and I am proud that my students consistently report increased confidence after our time together.

In addition to ongoing lessons, I offer proofreading, editing, and notes as-needed for internship, college, and graduate school personal statements; academic essays; and creative work, including fiction, screenplays, and stage plays.

Above all, I want to help you thrive. Let's get started!

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Education

Loyola University Chicago
English, Theater
Carnegie Mellon University
Masters

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $215
  • Rate details: RESCHEDULE = CANCELLATION. Less than 24 hours' notice, no show, late start, & ending early = full lesson price. No exceptions. SCRIPT NOTES: INQUIRE FOR RATE DETAILS. Lessons are 55 minutes.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 12/1/2020

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

Ace your standardized tests! I earned a 170/170 on the GRE Verbal Reasoning and 5.5/6 on GRE Analytic Writing. I got there by applying dedicated study habits and effective testing strategies, as well as improving critical reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. Effective test-taking will improve scores, but the BEST way to optimize your score is to begin work early in order to build your core skills. The more prepared you are for the reading & writing portions of your standardized test, the more ready you will also be to take on these subjects in your next course of study. Start today! My qualifications: I have a BA in English/Theater from Loyola University and a Master's Degree in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU I taught college courses and earned a certificate of teaching excellence. I have tutored numerous GRE, ACT, and SAT students.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

Ace your standardized tests! I earned a 170/170 on the GRE Verbal Reasoning and 5.5/6 on GRE Analytic Writing. I got there by applying dedicated study habits and effective testing strategies, as well as improving critical reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. Effective test-taking will improve scores, but the BEST way to optimize your score is to begin work early in order to build your core skills. The more prepared you are for the reading & writing portions of your standardized test, the more ready you will also be to take on these subjects in your next course of study. Start today! My qualifications: I have a BA in English/Theater from Loyola University and a Master's Degree in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU I taught college courses and earned a certificate of teaching excellence. I have tutored numerous GRE, ACT, and SAT students.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I have an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University, where I also taught playwriting to undergraduate students. My stage plays have been performed across the US and published by Samuel French and Smith & Kraus; my writing has also won awards from the Kennedy Center, Sloan Foundation (Screenwriting), and others. I have taught screenwriting at Houston's High School for the Performing Arts and have been a teaching artist for numerous institutions including the NHSI Cherubs program and Houston's Main Street Theater.
English

English

Improve your personal statements and boost your critical reading skills! I specialize in helping students understand what makes their writing effective, using word choice and literary tools, as well as practice reading critical text. I LOVE working with students to improve individual writing samples, as well as developing longer-term relationships with students for enrichment, to help boos their abilities and their confidence! My qualifications: BA in English/Theater from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from Carnegie Mellon's Eberly Center Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

With my degrees in writing (English undergrad, Dramatic Writing grad), I have extensive experience writing essays at a high level of academic excellence. In my work coaching students on writing and proofing essays, I focus on providing meticulous notes to help students meet teacher expectations on individual assignments, while also providing an educational framework designed to improve their skills overall. I strive to encourage students to identify and play to their own strengths, while working with them to improve on critical essay-writing skills like critical thinking, logical throughline, and effective structure.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

I have an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University, where I studied creative nonfiction and fiction writing in crossover graduate-level courses at the University of Pittsburgh. I also studied fiction writing during my undergraduate degree at Loyola University, taking courses up to the highest level available. My creative writing has been published by Samuel French and Smith & Kraus; my writing has also won awards from the Kennedy Center, Sloan Foundation (Screenwriting), and others. I have taught writing at Houston's High School for the Performing Arts and coached numerous young writers to find their voice, focus their storytelling abilities, and enhance their fiction writing skills.
Film

Film

I am an award-winning screenwriter with experience writing spec scripts, TV pilots, and films. My feature script LOVE, GENOME won first place in the Sloan/CMU Screenplay Competition. I have also been a finalist for the Athena Lab and Final Draft Big Break. My degree from Carnegie Mellon School of Drama focused on writing for all performance mediums including film and television, and I now live in LA, giving me firsthand insight into the workings of the industry.
Grammar

Grammar

The ability to write effectively is fundamental to success for everyone from middle school to the professional world. Understanding grammar can feel like a huge barrier for students who only know about language in a more "intuitive" way, or for learners for whom English is not their first language. I strive to keep grammar fun and accessible by moving at the student's pace. I specialize in working with adults and advanced teen learners to identify challenge areas and create personalized and targeted strategies for improvement. My qualifications: BA in English from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from CMU's Eberly Center Award-winning, published, and produced playwright and screenwriter Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon University, as well as numerous Wyzant students!
GRE

GRE

Ace your standardized tests! I earned a 170/170 on the GRE Verbal Reasoning and 5.5/6 on GRE Analytic Writing. I got there by applying dedicated study habits and effective testing strategies, as well as improving critical reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. Effective test-taking will improve scores, but the BEST way to optimize your score is to begin work early in order to build your core skills. The more prepared you are for the reading & writing portions of your standardized test, the more ready you will also be to take on these subjects in your next course of study. Start today! My qualifications: I have a BA in English/Theater from Loyola University and a Master's Degree in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU I taught college courses and earned a certificate of teaching excellence. I have tutored numerous GRE, ACT, and SAT students.
Literature

Literature

The ability to critically read literature is fundamental to success for everyone from middle school through advanced learners. I bring a broad knowledge of the literature taught in middle school, high school, and college to my lessons; I strive to support students in reading, enjoying, and critically interpreting texts. I specialize in working with adult and teen learners to identify challenge areas and create personalized and targeted strategies for improvement. Most importantly, I strive to find ways to interest my students in the work; I love to read myself, and I know that being genuinely engaged with the content is the best way for students to improve! My qualifications: BA in English from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from CMU's Eberly Center Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon University, as well as numerous Wyzant students!
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

In my nearly 15 years as a freelance creative, professional writer, and writing coach, I have developed a deep and thorough understanding of what institutions are looking for when it comes to personal statements. I have supported numerous students in developing unique and compelling statements, which have helped my students get into college, law school, medical schools and fellowships, graduate schools (including NYU and Oxford University), and competitive internships at the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program and the White House. Students frequently report high levels of satisfaction with my assistance on their personal essays, including one memorable medical student whose advisor described their essay as "the best he'd ever read" before being admitted into his first-choice residency.
Proofreading

Proofreading

Effective writing is fundamental to success for everyone from school to the professional world. I specialize in working with adults and teen learners to identify challenge areas and create personalized and targeted strategies for improvement. As a proofreader I offer both simultaneous and asynchronous notes processes, and can adapt to your needs on a particular project; I can edit your documents or coach you in becoming a better editor yourself! I specialize in personal statements for college and advanced degree applications. My qualifications: BA in English from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from CMU's Eberly Center Award-winning, published, and produced playwright and screenwriter Familiar with MLA, APA, CMOS, and other common style guides Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon University and Houston's HSPVA
Reading

Reading

The ability to critically read text of all types -- from literature, to nonfiction, to emails -- is fundamental to success for everyone from middle school to the professional world. I specialize in working with adults and advanced teen learners to identify challenge areas and create personalized and targeted strategies for improvement. Most importantly, I strive to find ways to interest my students in the work; being genuinely engaged with the content is the BEST and most PROVEN way for students to get and stay focused on reading, and to improve over time! My qualifications: BA in English from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from CMU's Eberly Center Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon University, as well as numerous Wyzant students!
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

I earned a 170/170 on the GRE Verbal Reasoning and 5.5/6 on GRE Analytic Writing. I got there by applying dedicated study habits and effective testing strategies, as well as improving critical reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills, and I love to share these skills with my students! After working with me, SAT students have raised their English scores over 150 points, while GRE students report boosts upwards of 15 points. Effective test-taking will improve scores, but the BEST way to optimize your score is to begin work early in order to build core skills. Start today! My qualifications: BA in English/Theater from Loyola University; Master's Degree in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU I taught college courses and earned a certificate of teaching excellence. I have tutored numerous GRE, ACT, and SAT students.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

I earned a 170/170 on the GRE Verbal Reasoning and 5.5/6 on GRE Analytic Writing. I got there by applying dedicated study habits and effective testing strategies, as well as improving critical reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills, and I love to share these skills with my students! After working with me, SAT students have raised their English scores over 150 points, while GRE students report boosts upwards of 15 points. Effective test-taking will improve scores, but the BEST way to optimize your score is to begin work early in order to build core skills. Start today! My qualifications: BA in English/Theater from Loyola University; Master's Degree in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU I taught college courses and earned a certificate of teaching excellence. I have tutored numerous GRE, ACT, and SAT students.
Theater

Theater

My Master's of Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University encompasses an expertise in writing for stage, screen, and audio formats, as well as proficiency in theatre history. I have worked as an artist in the theater industry for 10 years at companies including Northlight Theatre Chicago, Chicago Fringe Festival, The Alley Theatre Houston, and many others. I have also taught theatre to students of all ages with the following institutions: Main Street Theatre Houston, National High School Institute "Cherubs" Program, American Theatre Company "Bridge" Program, and Carnegie Mellon University.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

The ability to communicate effectively is fundamental to success for everyone from middle school to the professional world. A broad vocabulary is a central part of this, but can be a particular challenge for students with delayed reading, or where English is not their first language. I specialize in working with adults and advanced teen learners to identify challenge areas and create personalized and targeted strategies for improvement. Most importantly, I strive to interest my students in the work; being genuinely engaged with the content is the best way for students to improve! My qualifications: BA in English from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from CMU's Eberly Center Award-winning, published, and produced playwright and screenwriter Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon University, as well as numerous Wyzant students!
Writing

Writing

The ability to write effectively is fundamental to success for everyone from school to the professional world. I specialize in working with adults and teen learners to identify challenge areas and create personalized and targeted strategies for improvement. Most importantly, I strive to interest my students in the work; being genuinely engaged with the content is the best way for students to improve! I am delighted to work with students long term for general enrichment, to support tutoring in tandem with students' schoolwork, and to offer one-time sessions to improve specific pieces of writing. I am particularly adept with personal statements for college and advanced degree applications. My qualifications: BA in English from Loyola University Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University Certificate of Teaching Excellence from CMU's Eberly Center Award-winning, published, and produced playwright and screenwriter Experience teaching writing at Carnegie Mellon University, as well as numerous Wyzant students!

Examples of Expertise

Brandy has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 4 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Brandy ’s answers ›
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Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (600 ratings)
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Reviews

The perfect balance of personalized support and thoughtful challenge.

Working with Brandy has been such a gift for my son. She quickly understood his learning style and provided the affirmation and encouragement he needed beyond his usual network. Her insights helped him approach his college essay and test prep with clarity and confidence, and she consistently struck the perfect balance between guidance and challenge. My son truly enjoyed their sessions, and I deeply appreciate the time and care she invested in getting to know him. Brandy has been a wonderful champion for his growth, and we’d happily turn to her again for future projects.

Melissa, 5 lessons with Brandy

Easy to work with extremely helpful tutor.

Brandy is a very helpful and supportive tutor. She does a great job of guiding you through your work and showing you how to tailor your writing while helping you understand what areas you can improve. She is also very good at explaining things clearly and making sure you understand the material. She is friendly, patient, warm, and very easy to work with. She helped me with both SAT/ACT preparation and my college essays, and I found her guidance extremely valuable throughout the process. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and supportive tutor!

Bernadette , 17 lessons with Brandy

Residency Personal Statement Help

Brandy helped me brainstorm and revise my personal statement for my residency (ERAS) application, and she was exceptionally helpful. She has a genuinely curious mind, a real talent for writing, and sincere care for her students. I went through more than 10 revisions of my personal statement, but my session with Brandy was the most helpful of them all. My biggest weakness in writing is talking about myself, and she pointed that out right away. She then asked me thoughtful questions that guided me toward my own content and sentences. Not many people can do this the way Brandy does. I sincerely recommend her!

Young, 2 lessons with Brandy

Exceptional Writing Tutor and Guide

Brandy helped my son edit an article he had written for our local newspaper. The final result after only 1 tutoring lesson was incredible. After the lesson, we put both the initial and final drafts side by side and were impressed with the substantive changes. Furthermore, my son really enjoyed working with her. I highly recommend Brandy without reservation!

Gd, 1 lesson with Brandy

A pleasure to learn from

I’ve been having writing lessons with her over the past few months and have found her to be quite insightful and encouraging. The targeted exercises and feedback she provides has resulted in a significant improvement in not just my writing skills but also my approach to the process itself. 10/10 would recommend again

Archan, 61 lessons with Brandy

Thank You, Brandy!

I was overwhelmed by the prospect of writing a personal statement, and I had no idea where to start. Brandy sent me a few questions to answer before our session so that I could get an idea going. During our session, she gave me honest feedback about what worked and what didn’t, and we established an initial outline. I now feel so much better about the process moving forward — thanks to her reassurance that I can actually do it. I can’t wait for future sessions to finish up the job. Thank you, Brandy!

Jack, 5 lessons with Brandy

Such a Talented Tutor!

Brandy has been amazing! Beyond being an extremely talented writer and very knowledgable in reading comprehension and vocab, she has a unique ability to teach those skills to others. She has done a great job brain-storming with me and enhancing my writing in a way that matches my unique style. She brings out the best in my skills and has helped me advance my work to a place I never thought it would be!

Alex, 8 lessons with Brandy

Great for brainstorming personal statement ideas

She was great for brainstorming and helping me draft an outline in just one session. She asks great questions that prompt you to really think about yourself and the experiences that affected you.

Martina, 1 lesson with Brandy

Excellent tutor

My son took several English lessons over the summer. Brandy is an excellent tutor. With every PSAT question or article studied, she works continuously toward finding the mistakes/flaws in the student's understanding and correcting them. She then guides the student to deepen the analysis of the text. Brandy keeps the student engaged and focused for the entire lesson. My son wishes to continue having Brandy as his tutor during the coming school year (he will be in the 9th grade).

Cristina, 34 lessons with Brandy

best teacher ever!

My daughter and I can’t believe our luck to have found Brandy. She is wonderful in every respect: enthusiastic, patient, results oriented, bright and very knowledgeable.

Samarcande, 14 lessons with Brandy