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Duke Writing Prof who loves tutoring college applicants
Cheryl S.

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $200

About Cheryl


Bio

My instructional career is grounded in a Ph.D. in English, giving me deep expertise in advanced composition, critical theory, and research methodologies. As an academic writing professor, I specialize in guiding students through the complexities of archival research, literature reviews, and rigorous scholarly analysis, helping them cultivate their own authentic research voices. I employ a student-centered coaching approach for undergraduates, graduate students, and admissions applicants. I...

My instructional career is grounded in a Ph.D. in English, giving me deep expertise in advanced composition, critical theory, and research methodologies. As an academic writing professor, I specialize in guiding students through the complexities of archival research, literature reviews, and rigorous scholarly analysis, helping them cultivate their own authentic research voices. I employ a student-centered coaching approach for undergraduates, graduate students, and admissions applicants. I treat writing as an iterative process—using strategic scaffolding to break massive research projects into manageable structural milestones while teaching sustainable habits.

What My Students Say
Wendy: "Dr. Spinner was my freshman year writing professor, and boy do I wish I had someone like her to help me write admissions essays. Something she really excels at is working to bring out students' personal voices in their writing, rather than trying to adhere to a formula. She makes writing fun, and her advice on my final literature review allowed me to create one of my favorite things I've ever written!

Gage: "An incredible mentor who tailored feedback to my individual goals and profoundly shaped my college writing skills. Highly recommended."

Alfredo: "Dr. Spinner is an amazing instructor who made academic writing feel far less intimidating. Through her guidance, I became much more confident in my ability to conduct research, analyze media, and communicate my ideas effectively. Her mentorship made difficult assignments feel manageable and motivated me to take pride in my work."


Education

Queens College, City University of New York
English
Duke University
PhD
Georgetown University
Masters

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $200
  • Rate details: Elite Strategy ($500/hr): Ultra-premium consulting for Ivy-Plus essays, elite personal statements, and doctoral dissertation defense prep from an active university faculty member.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required
  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Essay Writing

Essay Writing

As a Duke faculty member with a PhD, I bring elite institutional insight to students navigating high-stakes writing milestones. I specialize in transforming advanced prose, helping writers cultivate an authentic voice while meeting competitive academic and admissions standards. Whether shaping Ivy-Plus essays or mentoring doctoral candidates, my coaching provides the structural strategy necessary for deep narrative impact.
Thesis Writing

Thesis Writing

As a Duke University faculty member with a PhD, I provide elite structural and prose guidance for students navigating advanced thesis writing. Drawing on over 15 years of academic mentorship and research expertise, I specialize in helping writers synthesize complex evidence, refine their central arguments, and establish a commanding scholarly voice. My coaching demystifies the structural architecture of long-form academic projects, ensuring candidates meet the highest institutional standards of clarity and analytical rigor.
English
Literature
Writing
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Hourly Rate: $200
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