Search
Kenneth O.'s Photo

College Admissions Essay Coach (Harvard EdM) | Common App Essays, UCs
Kenneth O.

5.0 (1,581 ratings)

3,442 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Instant Book

Hourly rate: $360

Claim a session with Kenneth O. that fits your schedule

See more options
Meet Kenneth O.
Report Video

About Kenneth

Bio

Use INSTANT BOOK, and let’s get started!!

I’m a Harvard Ed.M. graduate who specializes in college counseling and coaching students on admissions essays, admission essays, and personal statements. Whether it’s a Common App essay, UC PIQs, transfer essays, scholarship essays, or grad school statements of purpose, I help students brainstorm, structure, write, and polish powerful essays that sound authentic and stand out to admissions readers.

My approach is clear, supportive, and...

Use INSTANT BOOK, and let’s get started!!

I’m a Harvard Ed.M. graduate who specializes in college counseling and coaching students on admissions essays, admission essays, and personal statements. Whether it’s a Common App essay, UC PIQs, transfer essays, scholarship essays, or grad school statements of purpose, I help students brainstorm, structure, write, and polish powerful essays that sound authentic and stand out to admissions readers.

My approach is clear, supportive, and results-driven. Think of each essay like a puzzle:
• Brainstorming = finding the edge pieces
• Outlining = building the frame
• Writing = filling in the center
• Polishing = placing the final pieces

This process reduces stress, avoids perfectionism too early, and helps students stay focused from start to finish.

I work with students applying to:
• Ivy League & top-tier private schools
• University of California schools (UC PIQs)
• Competitive public universities
• Transfer programs, graduate schools, and scholarships

I don’t believe in templates or robotic editing. I help students uncover the best version of their story and bring it to life—whether we’re crafting a Common App essay, responding to a supplemental prompt, or writing a compelling admissions essay or personal statement.

My clients have earned admissions offers from:
Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, MIT, Cornell, UPenn, Brown, UChicago, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, NYU, USC, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and more.

If you’re overwhelmed, stuck, or just want a second set of expert eyes, I’d love to help. Whether you’re starting from scratch or finalizing a draft, I’ll meet you where you are.

Let’s write an essay that works—for you and your future.

Read more

Education

University of Utah
Mass Communications
Harvard Grad School of Education
MEd
National University
Masters

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $360
  • Rate details: NOTE: 12-hour cancellation policy enforced.
  • Lesson cancellation: 12 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 12/22/2021

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

Loading...

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Approved Subjects

College Counseling

College Counseling

My experience with college counseling includes school choice, SAT prep, admissions essays, filling out the Common App, and mock interviews. An admissions essay has a main goal of positively differentiating the author from the crowd. This is true for supplemental admissions essays as well. I have experience with all aspects of admissions counseling plus two masters degree in education (one from the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). Reach out today.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

With an EdM from Harvard Graduate School of Education and an MFA in Creative Writing from National University, I bring extensive academic expertise to guide students toward discovering and refining their unique writing voices. My experience includes teaching at the post-secondary level in Singapore, allowing me to develop effective, adaptable instructional methods tailored to diverse learners. As a produced screenwriter whose work has been adapted into an indie film and a playwright with productions featured in a Manhattan festival, I provide real-world insight into creative writing across multiple media. My creative writing has earned me membership in The Dramatists Guild, WGAe, and BMI
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

As a published author, screenwriter, lyricist, and composer, I have decades of experience as a writer. Equally importantly, I have a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing which qualifies me to teach writing. From high school essays to college admissions essays to college to grad school, I have assisted clients in finding their voices, obliterating writer's block, and creating written work at the highest level of their potential.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

”Less Stress, More Success” ™ I refer to myself as The Essay Guy. If you want to demystify the college admissions personal statements and essay, look no further! I’ve got you. From blank screen to final draft, I can help you find your voice, your brand, and your stories - all with the goal of positively differentiating yourself from other applicants. I have an MFA in Creative Writing from National University and an EdM from Harvard. Check out my reviews and ratings.
Writing

Writing

As a published author, songwriter, lyricist, screenwriter, and playwright, I can assist you with creative writing, academic writing, and espeically writing college admissions essays. My approach is “Less Stress, More Success!” This is especially true in the writing and editing of a college admissions essay or college admissions essays. Work with the best admission essay tutor (okay, one of the best)! The main goal in writing an admissions essay is to positively differentiate yourself from other applicants. Collectively, your admissions essays (main, common app, supplemental, UC PIQs) should leave the reader with your best traits and qualities. In addition to a Master of Education degree from Harvard, I have an MFA in Creative Writing. If you’re looking for an efficient, nurturing, supportive writing mentor/writing tutor, look no further. That said, I can assist you with other types of writing as mentioned.

Examples of Expertise

Kenneth has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 10 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Kenneth ’s answers ›
Kenneth O.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Kenneth before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Kenneth
Response time: 47 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (1,581 ratings)
5 star
(1,575)
4 star
(6)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Exceeded all expections

I came to Kenneth filled with self-doubt about my abilities as a writer. He filled me with confidence and assured me that he was going to help. And boy, did he help. He helped me write one of the deepest, insightful, and raw essays I've ever come across. I know that the college admissions committee will have all they need to know that I'm the right fit. By the way, he's so funny, so I highly recommend him if you need a laugh along with the best academic help you'll ever receive.

Shira, 2 lessons with Kenneth

Understanding and personable tutor

Kenneth showed me how to edit and polish my essay to make it more appealing to a college admissions officer. I came in super nervous but he made me pre confident and met me where I was.

Rebecca, 3 lessons with Kenneth

Amazing admissions essay writing tutor!

Kenneth helped me write essays for admissions to a graduate program. He was honest, kind, and extensively knowledgeable about the admissions review process and what the counselors are looking for in these essays. Worth every penny! Thanks Kenneth

Alec, 3 lessons with Kenneth

Fantastic experience

His clear guidance, patient feedback, and encouraging approach helped me refine my style and grow in confidence. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to improve their writing skills.

Carlos, 29 lessons with Kenneth

Knowledgeable, professional, and engaging tutor

Kenneth is an outstanding tutor who makes everything clear and precise. His professionalism throughout the sessions was truly impressive, and he always approached my questions with expertise and patience. On top of that, his session was enjoyable and productive. Thanks to his guidance, I feel much more confident about my application now. His tutoring sessions were not only informative but also a pleasure to attend. I highly recommend Kenneth to anyone looking for a professional, knowledgeable, and engaging tutor!

THEO, 2 lessons with Kenneth

Great Tutor and Counselor

My daughter needed help with UC app PIQs and Ken was very helpful in providing direction to her and clarifying her ideas. Thank you!

Jag, 2 lessons with Kenneth

Great Tutor and Counselor

My daughter needed help with UC app PIQs and Ken was very helpful in providing direction to her and clarifying her ideas. Thank you!

Jag, 2 lessons with Kenneth

Inspirational, Honest, and Kind

Ken has helped me find the best version of each of the stories I want to tell college admissions officers. I feel significantly more confident with the application I am submitting that I did before I met with him. Thanks Ken!

Dylan, 4 lessons with Kenneth

Great teacher, very thorough!

If you are looking for help with perfecting your college admissions essays, Kenneth knows what the admissions counselors want to see! Put your trust in him and let him work his magic! He made some great suggestions and changes to my son’s essays and activities list. Lifesaver!

Jamie, 6 lessons with Kenneth

He’s fantastic

Kenneth does an excellent job! Definitely could not imagine a better person to provide guidance on essays. You get what you pay for, worth every penny.

Audra, 29 lessons with Kenneth