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Academic Writing & Argument Coach | Develop Stronger Ideas & Analysis
Acacia W.

5.0 (165 ratings)

629 hours tutoring

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About Acacia

Bio

I love helping students turn interesting ideas into thoughtful, well-supported academic writing. I work with intellectually curious undergraduate students who want to develop stronger arguments, conduct deeper analysis, and become more confident academic writers. I especially enjoy working with students in the humanities and social sciences, including history, literature, film and media studies, gender and sexuality studies, sociology, anthropology, and related fields. My own academic and...

I love helping students turn interesting ideas into thoughtful, well-supported academic writing. I work with intellectually curious undergraduate students who want to develop stronger arguments, conduct deeper analysis, and become more confident academic writers. I especially enjoy working with students in the humanities and social sciences, including history, literature, film and media studies, gender and sexuality studies, sociology, anthropology, and related fields. My own academic and research background is strongly informed by feminist, queer, intersectional, and decolonial approaches, and I particularly enjoy working with students who are excited to ask questions about power, identity, representation, culture, and perspective.

My approach is collaborative, question-driven, and designed to help you become a stronger independent thinker and writer. I don't just flag a problem in your writing – I explain why it matters and help you figure out how to address it. I'll help you figure out what you actually want to argue, identify gaps in your reasoning or evidence, develop an effective structure, and push your analysis further. I can work with you at any stage of a project, from brainstorming and research to outlining, drafting, revision, and final editing. I also provide detailed asynchronous feedback on papers, outlines, and research materials, which we can combine with regular live sessions. I especially enjoy developing ongoing relationships with students so we can build on what we've already learned about your writing, spending less time getting oriented and more time developing your ideas.

I bring more than a decade of experience as a researcher, writer, educator, and filmmaker, including published academic work, college-level teaching, and a BA from Vassar College in International Studies with an emphasis in History and Women & Queer Studies and a minor in Film.

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Education

Vassar College
International Studies

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $65
  • Rate details: Please schedule virtual lessons through Instant Book. For asynchronous proofreading services, I charge $10 per page.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 11/11/2024

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

American History

American History

I approach history as an opportunity to ask not only what happened, but whose perspectives shaped the historical record and whose experiences have been overlooked. My background in International Studies, History, human rights, and interdisciplinary research allows me to help students examine historical events through multiple perspectives and understand how political, economic, cultural, and social forces interact. I especially enjoy helping students develop evidence-based arguments for history essays and research papers, rather than simply memorizing facts.
Career Development

Career Development

I love working on resumes, CVs, bios, and applications. I have experience in the arts and academia, creating submission materials for jobs, fellowships, and college applications. I can also help with audition materials and interviews. I received career training from Vassar College, where I had one-on-one weekly tutoring and attended workshops from the Career Development Office.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I studied screenwriting and filmmaking at Vassar College, and my poetry has been featured at international poetry slams and local coffee houses. My work has appeared in Inklings at the Springdale Public Library, and I’ve written multiple feature-length films, short films, and plays. Whether you’re just getting started or polishing a final draft, I’m excited to help you find your voice and bring your creative vision to life.
English

English

I work primarily with undergraduate and advanced students who want to strengthen their academic writing, reading, and analytical skills. I can help with essay development, research, textual analysis, organization, evidence, argumentation, and revision. My approach is particularly well suited to students who already have ideas they want to explore but need help developing those ideas into a clear and persuasive piece of writing. I also offer detailed asynchronous feedback on drafts and other written work.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

Are you struggling to start an essay? Do you find the research and writing process overwhelming? Do you have ideas, and yet no idea what to do with them? Maybe you’ve already written something, but when you read it, the pages seem more like random thoughts instead of a cohesive essay? Many students have strong ideas, but struggle to turn those ideas into clear, well-structured essays. From outlining guidance and research review to proofreading and editing, I have tools for every stage of the essay writing process. I offer patient guidance to reduce stress and make steady progress toward your goals. I can help you write a persuasive argument by identifying and strengthening your thesis statement, improving structure and clarity, and highlighting where to support your claims with evidence. This approach works best for students who are ready to engage with their ideas and take an active role in the writing process. We can work together using the Wyzant platform to talk through your essay; I can read your work asynchronously and provide feedback and suggestions; or, we can combine these methods to expedite the process and efficiently improve your writing. My approach is informed by my experience as a published research author, with work appearing in peer-reviewed journals, books, and online.
European History

European History

My background in International Studies and History provides an interdisciplinary foundation for studying European history, including political movements, cultural change, colonialism, economics, and social history. I especially enjoy helping students move beyond memorizing historical events to developing nuanced arguments supported by evidence. I can assist with research, essay development, source analysis, and understanding historical context.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

I specialize in fiction writing with a focus on fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, and more. My experience with world-building in the film industry includes the sci-fi features Friends of Sophia and Perfectly Good Moment. I can also guide you through the research process, helping you find rich source material to ground your stories in realism and depth. My goal is to help you write clearly and effectively so your readers can lose themselves in the world you create.
Film

Film

I have over 6 years of experience working in the film industry as an intimacy coordinator, director, writer, sound mixer, production designer, and production assistant. Besides earning a Minor in Film at Vassar College, I have published in academic journals and lectured at multiple colleges and universities on the subject of intimacy in film. The films I've worked on have been official selections at over 50 festivals internationally including some of the top 2SLGBTQIA+ and disability festivals such as NewFest, Inside Out Toronto, BFI Flare, Outfest LA, Frameline47, Reelabilities, and Superfest Disability Festival. I can help with film school applications, film festival submissions, screenwriting, actor auditions, student filmmaking, film theory, cinema and media studies, film and television essays, American cinema, American television history, film history, world cinema, still image narratives, three-act structure, the hero's journey, podcasts, intimacy coordinating, resume and CV writing, website and portfolio development, reels, and more.
Literature

Literature

I love helping students move beyond simply identifying what happens in a text and toward asking what the text is doing, assuming, and leaving unsaid. We can explore close reading, historical and cultural context, literary analysis, research, and essay development, with particular attention to questions of gender, sexuality, race, class, power, and representation. My academic background includes an emphasis in Women & Queer Studies, and I especially enjoy contemporary literature and interdisciplinary approaches to literary analysis. I can help you develop an original argument, select useful evidence, organize your analysis, and turn your ideas into a compelling paper.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

I offer critical expertise and feedback for personal statements by helping students identify their thesis statement and support it using stories from their life. I use active listening to uncover my students goals, interests, and unique strengths. Then, drawing on my background as both an essayist and creative writer, I translate those elements into a strong, authentic, and compelling statement of purpose. My method promises a clear, compelling essay that is competitive enough for any institution. As a graduate of a top-tier university, I know precisely what it takes to impress admissions committees. As a tutor, I use that knowledge to help my students achieve their dreams.
Proofreading

Proofreading

My editing goes beyond correcting grammar and spelling. When I review academic writing, I look closely at the clarity and structure of the argument, the use of evidence, continuity between ideas, and places where a reader may have questions or need additional context. I provide detailed comments explaining why I have flagged something and offering suggestions for strengthening it. I particularly enjoy working with research papers, essays, theses, and other humanities and social science writing. For substantial projects, I prefer asynchronous review so I have the time to give your writing the careful attention it deserves.
Reading

Reading

I help students develop stronger reading and analytical skills by looking beyond comprehension toward interpretation, context, evidence, and the questions a text invites us to ask. We can work through challenging academic readings together, develop effective note-taking strategies, identify important arguments and evidence, and connect readings to larger themes or research projects. My interdisciplinary background is particularly useful for students working with complex humanities and social science texts.
Thesis Writing

Thesis Writing

Creating a thesis project is one of the best things you can do to prepare yourself for a career in academia or the arts. It can also be one of the most daunting and difficult college undertakings. I am here to guide you through every stage of the process and support you with kind enthusiasm. I hold a BA in International Studies with an emphasis in Women and Queer Studies and Decolonial History, and a minor in Film from Vassar College. My academic work includes an independent study analyzing gender construction and the gaze in Deepa Mehta’s film Fire, and a senior thesis project titled Identity, which featured interviews with queer women discussing their identities, gender expression, and community. Through the SIT International Honors Program, I studied human rights in Nepal, Jordan, and Chile, culminating in a thesis examining social justice filmmaking and global autonomy. My research has been published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Consent-Based Performance, and I bring this interdisciplinary and decolonial perspective to support students at all stages of the thesis writing process—from research and structure to clarity and critical analysis.
World History

World History

My academic background in International Studies and History, along with field research in Nepal, Jordan, and Chile, has given me an interdisciplinary and global approach to historical study. I particularly enjoy helping students examine how power, colonialism, economics, gender, culture, and political movements shape historical narratives. For essays and research papers, I can help you develop an argument, identify the evidence you need, and organize your analysis into a clear and persuasive structure.
Writing

Writing

I help students develop clear, thoughtful, and well-supported writing at the undergraduate and advanced high school levels. My favorite part of the process is helping students turn complicated or unfinished ideas into focused arguments. We can talk through your ideas, identify the questions your paper still needs to answer, develop an outline, evaluate your evidence, or work through a draft together. I provide detailed feedback that explains not only what could be improved, but why it matters and how you might approach the revision. My background as a published researcher, educator, and interdisciplinary writer allows me to work comfortably across a wide range of humanities and social science topics.
Acacia W.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (165 ratings)
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Reviews

The best Tutor you could have!

Acacia has been a blessing for me, coming in new to Wyzant Acacia is exactly the tutor I needed to work and improve with my writing. Acacia is so sweet, knowledgeable and inspires me to dig deep into myself and really think about my writing in a perspective that has felt unknown to me. I feel like I learn something new and new about myself that helps me with my writing each time we have a lesson. 10/10 you won’t regret booking an appointment with Acacia!

Betsy, 6 lessons with Acacia

great tutor!

She explained everything very nice to my son and my son feel very comfortable with each lesson. She’s a very good English instructor highly recommend.

Elsa, 16 lessons with Acacia

great tutor!

She explained everything very nice to my son and my son feel very comfortable with each lesson. She’s a very good English instructor highly recommend.

Elsa, 16 lessons with Acacia

great tutor!

She explained everything very nice to my son and my son feel very comfortable with each lesson. She’s a very good English instructor highly recommend.

Elsa, 16 lessons with Acacia

great tutor!

She explained everything very nice to my son and my son feel very comfortable with each lesson. She’s a very good English instructor highly recommend.

Elsa, 16 lessons with Acacia

great tutor!

She explained everything very nice to my son and my son feel very comfortable with each lesson. She’s a very good English instructor highly recommend.

Elsa, 16 lessons with Acacia

Excellent Tutoring Experience

Acacia was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Every session was well-prepared, and the explanations were clear and easy to follow. I felt more confident after each lesson and noticed real improvement in my understanding. I truly appreciate Acacia’s dedication and support throughout the tutoring process. Highly recommend!”

Tangie, 30 lessons with Acacia

Phenomenal!!!!

Acacia is the best tutor that I ever had on this platform. I was guided through how to make a good cover letter and resume. Acacia took out HOURS to help me! I really appreciate the help I got and the very affordable price for the best tutoring. I will definitely book again! Thank you Acacia!!!!!!

Ginger , 3 lessons with Acacia

Excellent Tutoring Experience

Acacia was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Every session was well-prepared, and the explanations were clear and easy to follow. I felt more confident after each lesson and noticed real improvement in my understanding. I truly appreciate Acacia’s dedication and support throughout the tutoring process. Highly recommend!”

Tangie, 30 lessons with Acacia

Extremely efficient, goes above and beyond

Hello, I was on the verge of failing a course. I scheduled two sessions, just a day before my 10-page paper was due. My topic was on Generative AI, Gender, Appropriation, and Hip-Hop. Not only did I complete the paper with detailed written feedback from Acacia as well as live sessions walking through my notes. I appreciated how I was able to recieve help while writting live, it felt as if it was an in-person. I appreciate how responsive to emails and messages Acacia was as well. I recommend you book, no lie!

Jerome, 4 lessons with Acacia