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College Essays, Applications, Interviews, Personal Statements, PIQs
Barbara L.

5.0 (240 ratings)

1,239 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $140
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Response time: 17 minutes

About Barbara

Bio

I am a high school teacher who entered college consulting because writing your college essay should be joyful! Sometimes one of the biggest obstacles to writing is simply coming up with an idea that you're excited to run with. I LOVE the process of getting to know candidates and helping them devise clever ways to present themselves to admissions teams. After teaching writing in my History, English, Spanish, French, and SAT classes for the last 15 years, I have gotten pretty good at guiding...

I am a high school teacher who entered college consulting because writing your college essay should be joyful! Sometimes one of the biggest obstacles to writing is simply coming up with an idea that you're excited to run with. I LOVE the process of getting to know candidates and helping them devise clever ways to present themselves to admissions teams. After teaching writing in my History, English, Spanish, French, and SAT classes for the last 15 years, I have gotten pretty good at guiding students to sift through their interests and experiences and find the ones that are ripe for sharing. I am also well aware that the college essay is possibly the most important piece of writing you'll ever create!

Since the stakes are high, I prefer to take a little extra time to get to know you and explore the specifics of your passions, values, experiences, and intellectual pursuits. Once you can articulate what holds significance to you, it's easier to weave together an essay that shows (rather than tells) why you're a distinctive candidate. The end goal is to deliver a concise and memorable 'story' where the reader immediately feels like they have a window into who you are.

My background: I attended Deerfield Academy and Dartmouth College. After working in business in Boston for a few years, I earned my Master of Education and have since taught in the United States, Spain, the UAE, Mexico, and online, helping students from a wide variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. For over a decade, I also served as an Alumni Admissions Ambassador for my alma mater. In that volunteer position, I interviewed Ivy League candidates and gained valuable insights into what strong candidates can do to set themselves apart from the pack.

We both know that your college essay is incredibly important, and I take that knowledge to heart. If you want to dig deep and find the BEST possible way to present yourself to colleges, I would love to work with you.

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Education

Dartmouth College
French
Keene State College
MEd
University of Scranton
Other
  • Licensed teacher

Additional Languages

Spanish

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $140
  • Rate details: A cancellation fee of $50 may be assessed if a student does not attend a scheduled session, or if the session is cancelled within 8 hours of the start time.
  • Lesson cancellation: 8 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 10/23/2021

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

American History

American History

My particular area of strength is in helping students with projects and historical research essays. I have been teaching History for 10 years, and I am certified in Social Studies in the state of New Hampshire. History essays can sometimes be daunting, but that mystery can be removed with an organized, systematic approach to your writing.
College Counseling

College Counseling

I am an Ivy League alumna and veteran high school teacher. Prior to becoming a college essay consultant, I volunteered as an Alumni Admissions Ambassador for my alma mater. In that role, I conducted applicant interviews and gained a thorough understanding of what top tier schools are looking for in a candidate.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

As a veteran teacher and a writing consultant, I have been helping writers develop and refine their essays for almost 20 years. I particularly enjoy the early writing process, when we explore your ideas and come to an accord regarding the ideal content and organization. As the piece comes together, we ensure that the tone of your writing fits the purpose of the piece. And finally, we make sure to refine the language and smooth the transitions so that you feel confident about your final product.
Interview Prep

Interview Prep

I am an Ivy League alumna and veteran high school teacher. I attended a top prep school and have taught at numerous selective private schools which has given me insights into how students and families should present themselves during the selection process. Prior to becoming an admissions consultant five years ago, I volunteered as an Alumni Admissions Ambassador for my alma mater. In that role, I conducted applicant interviews and gained a thorough understanding of what top tier schools are looking for in a candidate. I truly enjoy getting to know candidates and helping them portray themselves in an ideal light during interviews. We do this by identifying what elements of your story best fit the situation, and then we practice together until you're feeling confident and well-prepared.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

As a veteran teacher and a writing consultant, I have been helping writers develop and refine their essays for almost 20 years. I particularly enjoy the early writing process, when we explore your ideas and come to an accord regarding the style and organization. As the piece comes together, we ensure that your personal attributes shine though. And finally, we make sure to refine the language and smooth the transitions so that you feel confident about your final product.
Proofreading

Proofreading

As a veteran high school teacher and a college consultant, I have been helping students write and refine their essays for 20 years. In addition to resolving any grammar and punctuation errors, I can provide meticulous feedback on format, style, and citations. Once the piece is in its final stages, we make sure to smooth the transitions and refine your language so that you feel confident about your final product.
Social Studies

Social Studies

My particular area of focus is on preparing students for the projects and research essays. I have been teaching History for 10 years, and I am certified in Social Studies in the state of New Hampshire. History essays can sometimes be daunting, but that mystery can be removed with an organized, systematic approach to your writing.
World History

World History

My particular area of strength is in preparing students to success on projects and reserach essays. I have been teaching History for 10 years, and I am certified in Social Studies in the state of New Hampshire. History essays can sometimes be daunting, but that mystery can be removed with an organized, systematic approach to your writing.
Writing

Writing

As a veteran teacher and a college consultant, I have been helping students develop and refine their writing for almost 20 years. I particularly enjoy the early writing process, when we explore your ideas for the piece and come to an accord regarding the style and organization. In the case of research papers, I can help with format and ensure that your citations are meticulous. After the piece comes together, we make sure to smooth the transitions and resolve any grammar or punctuation errors so that you can feel confident about your final product.
Barbara L.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Barbara before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Barbara
Response time: 17 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (240 ratings)
5 star
(238)
4 star
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3 star
(1)
2 star
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Reviews

Worth every penny if your child is eyeing top schools

My son worked with Barbara for about 3 months and was accepted into his dream school that has a very low acceptance rate. He told me Barbara provides excellent feedback and suggestions, is patient and overall just very very helpful in her guidance. She provides detailed lesson summaries too which is nice. I've no doubt his acceptance was in part due to her assistance with the essays. No regrets!

Jen, 15 lessons with Barbara

Guided by Ivy League Alumni to Success! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

We’re halfway there, and it’s all thanks to this Ivy League alumni who has been instrumental in helping us navigate our journey to the top! Her expertise and guidance have been invaluable, and we’re thrilled with the progress we’ve made together. Five stars!”

Mark, 5 lessons with Barbara

Knowledgeable and patient

Excellent recommendations provided to make the application essay comprehensive and effective. Related well to my daughter and demonstrated how to include a multitude of topics that reflect potential and discipline.

Robert, 3 lessons with Barbara

Excellent in communication and coaching.

Barbara helped prepare a competitive application in a an effective manner. Excellent, competent and professional tutoring with patience, smile and positive attitude

Niket, 5 lessons with Barbara

Great teacher!

She was lovely, understanding, and accommodating! I would recommend her to anyone who needs help with a thesis. She took the time to research my topic before hopping on the call, and it was greatly appreciated

Gianna, 1 lesson with Barbara

Helped my daughter finalize her application and essays for Ivy League!

Barbara was great, helping my daughter organize her application and finalize her personal statement and supplements for Ivy League submission. Highly recommend!!!

Rick, 2 lessons with Barbara

Knowledgeable and Patient

Worked with my teen to prep for a high school interview. So much was covered in one hour. We will definitely be back. Thank You Barbara.

Nicole, 1 lesson with Barbara

Excellent tutor

Barbara is an amazing and extremely knowledgeable tutor! She helped me edit an university paper and it was very helpful! I will definitely be doing many more sessions with her! 10/10

Johnny, 6 lessons with Barbara

APUSH - Very Helpful

First session with Barbara was to go over the content for in-class LEQ essays for AP US History. She understands what the AP test is looking for and how to structure the essays. From here, it's up to my son how much he wants to put into getting ready for the essays.

Amanda, 6 lessons with Barbara

Great Tutor

Barbara has helped me with numerous essays and provides great insight and advice. She has helped me develop the argument for my essays and make sure they are clear.

Ava, 65 lessons with Barbara
Hourly Rate: $140
Response time: 17 minutes
Contact Barbara