Shelley S.
Santa Monica, CA
College personal statements, class papers, interview coaching
Queens College, City University of New York
Communication ArtsAmerican Film Institute Conservatory, Los Angeles, CA
Master'sQueens College, City University of New York
Master'sAbout Shelley
I'm an easygoing, experienced, and creative coach. (Please see testimonials.) I work with doctoral candidates, graduate and undergraduate students, as well as high school seniors writing their personal statements for college applications, as well as class papers.
I am gratified knowing that my students have gone on to Berkeley,
Policies
Cancellation
4 hours notice requiredGroup rates available. Rising seniors - this summer, get friends together for a College Essay Writing group so personal statements and supplemental essays are completed before the fall semester.
Travel Radius
Travels within 30 miles of Santa Monica, CA 90403Shelley offers online lessons
Shelley is approved to conduct lessons through Wyzant Online. Wyzant Online allows students and tutors to work remotely via video, audio, and collaborative whiteboard tools. For more information about how online tutoring works, check out Wyzant Online.
If you’re interested in online lessons, message Shelley to get started.
"Great Tutor!"
- Janet, Moorpark, CA on 3/5/14Shelley helped my son with his college essays. When we contacted her, he had already written 5 essays. We were not sure what the colleges were looking for.
Shelley was very knowledgeable about the application process and kept that in mind when she proofread his essays. She gave him very good criticisms and ideas and guided him in improving his essays. The end result was excellent. This past December 13, he got early admission into Stanford University!
"Excellent tutor!!!"
- Tserenchuluun, Redondo Beach, CA on 12/11/14Shelley provided me a very concentrated writing lesson which immensely altered my writing style. I instantly understood the crucial points in excellent writing skills. I wrote three essays for a graduate teaching program at USC, and I just got accepted! The admissions faculty commented that my essays were very strong and interesting to read. As Shelley said, "Show, do not tell," my essays truly showed who I am and why I wanted to be a great teacher. I absolutely would recommend Shelley for friends and family and whoever who needs helps for any writing. Thank you!
"Very Helpful!"
- Chloe, Culver City, CA on 10/16/14Shelley was there for me when I was frantic about completing all of my college essays. I gave her a packet of prompts, and she helped me to come up with ideas of what to write about, and how to manipulate them to fit for multiple other universities. She saw in me what I didn't realize for many years; she was a tutor and a therapist as she helped hash through my essays. Now I feel confident to send my personal statement out to prestigious universities, and I have them done early!!
"More than expected"
- Hajar, Los Angeles, CA on 12/10/13Shelley such an amazing tutor. She helped me with admission essay for the University.
Shelley is very insightful. She knew exactly what I wanted and invested every minute into asking effective questions to extract the important information which improved my essay. Actually, the time was flying while talking and explaining to her; I enjoyed it so much.
In fact, I'm a very bad speller and type slow, but she was very patient and helped me to write everything correctly.
The thing which I can't forget is her motivation. The night when I took the class was an unforgettable night. I went home full of ambition and inspiration. The moment when someone feels confused and pressed since the deadline is coming soon and a lot of things haven't done yet, there is nothing better than a person who not only can help to finish these things but also gives that feeling of confidence and reassurance. Just a successful tutor who can instill these meanings in their students' heart such as Shelley.
Thanks Shelley for this opportunity,
I'm very glad to know you.
"An experienced educator"
- Ahmed Zack, Santa Monica, CA on 11/9/13She is a very helpful tutor, she not only wants to help in the particular problem but helps assist your ability in the long run. Also, she is a truly great presence to have around as she can assist with her wisdom and patience. Only great things to say about this educator!
"Very patient!"
- Judy, New York, NY on 6/8/13Such a brilliant tutor Shelley is!
She is warm, patient and easygoing!
She is creative, energetic and experienced!
She is not only a professional tutor who can teach you technique and knowledge but also a great spiritual mentor who can lead you to a broader world beyond class.
Our son enjoys every moment of the whole journey together with Shelley. She deserves the full respect from our whole family.
I can't wait to recommend her to all my friends who is looking for a wonderful tutor for their kids!
"EXTRAORDINARY TUTOR!!!!"
- Sandra, Torrance, CA on 4/11/13Shelly is an extraordinary tutor and helped me in my time of need. She has never let me down and was very flexible which is what makes her a very unique tutor. Thank you so much for helping me and overall uplifting my spirit.
"My first choice for a proofreader!! From a repeat customer"
- Sue, Santa Monica, CA on 3/1/13I am a happy repeat customer with Shelley for proofreading. With the first proofreading, her work was quick, clean, and clear. I am really impressed.
So, when I needed another proofreading, I did not look any further, Shelley was my first choice and she did not disappoint me at all.
"No Fear Shelley S. is here!"
- Schauna, Los Angeles, CA on 1/23/13If you are looking for a knowledgeable, helpful, patient tutor to help with editing or writing Shelley S. is the one! Shelley has helped me to give life to a lot of my papers while making it fun and interesting to learn. Shelley makes it easy to understand and comprehend the subject at hand. I would recommend Shelley to anyone who needs some extra help with any type of writing assignment!
"Great Insight!"
- Aaron, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on 1/16/13Shelley mock-interviewed me for a recent interview for medical school. In addition to covering all the basics of interviews (general questions and appearance/physical performance), Shelley went above-and-beyond by critiquing rhetoric and slight variations in some of my responses. By doing this, Shelley made me a much more prepared interviewer, one able to perform confidently when the real interview took place.
"Great English Tutor!"
- Valentina, Los Angeles, CA on 11/29/12Shelley is very knowledgeable and creative English tutor. She is always well-prepared and makes sure the sessions are interesting and enjoyable.
She is able to accommodate our busy schedule and is doing an excellent job helping to improve English
conversational skills.
"Brilliant tutor."
- Maria, Marina Del Rey, CA on 11/20/12Shelley is knowledgeable, patient, and extremely helpful. She is one of the best tutors I have ever had. Highly recommend!
"Inspired my son to WANT to write his essay"
- Susane, Los Angeles, CA on 11/1/12After my son's first session with Shelley, he told me that he was looking forward to working on his college application essay. Somehow she has generated an interest in writing in someone who has never looked forward to writing.
Approved subjects are in bold.
Approved subjects
In most cases, tutors gain approval in a subject by passing a proficiency exam. For some subject areas, like music and art, tutors submit written requests to demonstrate their proficiency to potential students. If a tutor is interested but not yet approved in a subject, the subject will appear in non-bold font. Tutors need to be approved in a subject prior to beginning lessons.
Career Development
As a speech coach and an Oscar winning director, I have "rehearsed" many adults before they face job interviews, school interviews and auditions.
I have been astounded every time I coach someone at how quickly their presentation improves. In addition, I've also found that even the most talented and brightest of applicants is often unaware of what interviewers look for, appreciate and expect. That is why I find this work incredibly rewarding and stimulating.
College Counseling
When I work with you on your college application essays, my goal is to help you write attention-getting, authentic and meaningful essays. Ultimately, we are looking for a result that makes clear what your contribution to the college will be. Are you an out-of-the-box thinker, a humanitarian, a problem solver, an ethicist, an entrepreneur?
The challenge you face is to show and not tell the admissions officer what your gift is; this is where I am best able to help you. We need to find that one specific story that clearly demonstrates who you are. A challenging task but well worth the effort!
When possible, I urge you to spend time on the supplemental essays as well. They too must be well-written, otherwise the admissions officer thinks you may have received too much outside help if the quality of the writing varies.
My students have been successful because my prompts inevitably produce original work, and my numerous and simple tips for writing insure quick and impressive results.
I am proud to say my students have gone on to Berkeley, Colorado College, Johns Hopkins, NYU, Oberlin, Pepperdine, Pratt Institute, Santa Clara, Sarah Lawrence, Stanford (early action), UCLA, UC San Diego, University of Virginia, University Honors College at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Puget Sound, University of Wisconsin, Yale (early action) and many other wonderful schools.
Finally, I urge rising seniors to consider working on the personal statements and supplementals during the summer since the fall semester requires you to focus on good grades, SAT scores, obtaining recommendations, completing volunteer hours and of course, applying to colleges! If you can remove one important task from the list, it will help you. And quality time spent on the essays often pays off down the line.
Also, the sooner you get in your applications, the better your chances for admission.
Note: Though I work one-on-one with applicants, I have found that a group of friends working together is just as successful, more fun and less expensive.
English
I guess I've spent my entire career teaching English in some capacity. For fourteen years, I was a high school English teacher who taught not only the required courses but many electives such as Journalism, Film and Television, and Speech. I moved on from there to teach Advanced Screenwriting at USC and Personal and Business Writing at DeVry University.
For the past few years, I've conducted writing workshops; Memoir Writing for adults and College Essay Writing for high school seniors. Also, I act as consultant to professional writers and am a member of the Writers Guild of America.
I suppose my greatest strength as a teacher is that I never repeat a lesson. I am able to create the right example, the perfect assignment and the most authentic critique on the spot -- this is how my mind works. That is why I find my work so exciting and still a lot of fun.
Film
I am a member of the Writers Guild of America, Directors Guild of America and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Happily, I received an M.F.A from The American Film Institute, and managed to win the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short for my AFI film.
I've taught acting in various New York schools and Advanced Screenwriting at USC. Often I prepare applicants for film schools by coaching them through their essays and helping them ace their interviews through "rehearsals."
Needless to say, it's a joy for me pay forward all the instruction and support I've received.
Proofreading
Having taught English at the high school and college level, and as a member of the Writers Guild of America, proofreading comes very easily to me.
The novelist James Michener said, "I am not a very good writer but I am an excellent rewriter." I totally get that; it is only with editing that I am able to write well. What is more, I think this is true for everyone. This is why I find proofreading satisfying.
I also act as consultant to professors and professional writers.
Public Speaking
I have a Bachelor and Master's degree in Speech and have taught public speaking to adults (businessmen and politicians) as well as to high school students. I have personally spoken at very large gatherings where I feel very comfortable.
Speech
I majored in Speech in undergraduate and graduate schools and therefore hold two degrees in the subject. I taught Public Speaking at the high school level and also at a professional school for adults interested in improving their public speaking abilities. We worked with politicians and business people for the most part.
Theater
I have written and directed plays as well as directed episodic television. I have won major awards in the entertainment industry.
Writing
Not only do I conduct writing workshops on memoir writing, screenwriting and college essay writing, but I am also a seasoned English teacher in both high school and college writing. In addition, I am a member of the Writers Guild of America.
Over the years I have discovered so many simple techniques to improve my writing and I have been able to pass these tips on to my students, whose work transforms rapidly. Because performance in college and beyond is greatly dependent on one's writing skills, I believe my work is important.
I am able to teach you ways to transform your writing forever. Your work will be polished, lively and rich in substance. And even more, you may find that you actually enjoy writing, as well as editing.
Other Santa Monica, CA Tutors
Shelley S.
Santa Monica, CA
College personal statements, class papers, interview coaching