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College Essay Coach | 20-Year NJ English Teacher & Edutopia Author
Andrew P.

5.0 (1 ratings)

7 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $100
Contact Andrew
Response time: 11 minutes

About Andrew

Bio

Stuck on a college essay, an AP Lit prompt, or a research paper? I've taught high school English in New Jersey for over 20 years. I also teach college composition, write for Edutopia, and serve on the state committee that reviews New Jersey's grade 11 English test. I know what teachers, test scorers, and admissions readers are looking for, and I can help your student get there.

College essays are my specialty. I help students find a topic that's truly theirs, shape it into a compelling...

Stuck on a college essay, an AP Lit prompt, or a research paper? I've taught high school English in New Jersey for over 20 years. I also teach college composition, write for Edutopia, and serve on the state committee that reviews New Jersey's grade 11 English test. I know what teachers, test scorers, and admissions readers are looking for, and I can help your student get there.

College essays are my specialty. I help students find a topic that's truly theirs, shape it into a compelling story, and revise until it sounds like them at their best. I never write it for them, because admissions readers can tell.

I also help with:
- AP English Literature and Language: close reading, timed essays, and rhetorical analysis
- SAT and ACT reading and writing
- Essay writing for school: thesis, structure, evidence, and revision
- Research papers and college-level writing

How I work: sessions are structured, supportive, and built around your student's actual assignments. The goal is a better grade on this essay and a more confident, independent writer for the next one.

Send me a message with your student's grade, what they're working on, and any deadlines. I usually reply the same day.

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Education

Rutgers
English
Rutgers
Masters
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Other
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $100
  • Rate details: Discounts available for multi-session packages. Contact me for more info.
  • Lesson cancellation: 6 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 3/20/2026

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I have more than 20 years of experience teaching English and writing at the high school and college levels, including extensive work with narrative, descriptive, and personal writing. I hold an M.A. in English from Rutgers University and regularly coach students on voice, structure, characterization, imagery, and revision. I also have a strong background in songwriting and other forms of creative writing, which gives me practical experience with developing ideas, shaping tone, and making language more vivid and purposeful. My goal is to help writers develop their own voice while giving them concrete strategies for turning rough ideas into polished, engaging work.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I have taught high school English in New Jersey public schools for 20 years, including honors and senior-level courses, and I teach college composition as an adjunct instructor. Essay writing is the core of my classroom: I teach students to develop an arguable thesis, organize ideas logically, integrate and analyze evidence, and revise for clarity and voice. As English Department Teacher Leader, I co-wrote my district's writing handbook and helped build a shared writing framework used across English and Social Studies. I also ran a Writing Lab for students who needed extra support. I have published five articles on writing and literacy instruction for Edutopia and serve on New Jersey's Assessment Advisory Committee for English Language Arts. With tutoring students, I work from their actual assignments and focus on building skills they can use independently on the next essay.
Interview Prep

Interview Prep

I help students prepare for college, scholarship, and specialized program interviews (such as honors, BS/MD, and competitive high school programs). My approach combines reflection and practice: we identify the stories and strengths the student wants to convey, connect them to the program's values, and rehearse common and unexpected questions in realistic mock interviews with specific feedback on content, delivery, and poise. I have taught high school English and public speaking skills for 20 years, coached students through the college application process, and have extensive experience on both sides of professional interviews in education. I also help students align their interview answers with their personal statements so their application tells one consistent story.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

For many years I have coached high school seniors through the college application essay process, from brainstorming to final draft. I help students find a topic that is genuinely theirs, shape it into a focused narrative, and revise until the essay sounds like their own best voice. I also support supplemental essays, scholarship essays, and statements for specialized programs. My background includes 20 years teaching high school English in New Jersey, teaching college composition as an adjunct, and publishing articles on writing instruction for Edutopia. I know what admissions readers look for: authenticity, specificity, and reflection. I never write essays for students; I ask the questions and give the feedback that help them write it themselves.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

With 20 years of experience in public education, I have helped students develop the confidence, clarity, and presence needed to become effective public speakers. I specialize in guiding students through every stage of the process—from idea development and organization to delivery, voice, and audience engagement. My approach emphasizes practical strategies, repeated practice, and personalized feedback to help students overcome anxiety and communicate with purpose. My work in this area has been recognized through a recent article I published in Edutopia, where I share proven techniques for teaching public speaking and helping students find their authentic voice.
Reading

Reading

With over 20 years of experience as a high school English teacher, I bring deep expertise in helping students develop strong reading and writing skills across a wide range of ability levels. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with students who struggle with comprehension, fluency, and confidence, and I specialize in breaking down complex texts into clear, manageable strategies. In addition to my classroom experience, I am a published author on reading and writing instruction, which reflects my commitment to effective, research-based practices. My approach is both structured and supportive, designed to help students make meaningful progress while building the confidence they need to succeed independently.
ACT English
ACT Reading
Algebra 1
English
Geometry
Grammar
GRE
Literature
Philosophy
Prealgebra
Proofreading
PSAT
SAT Writing
SSAT
Study Skills
TOEFL
Vocabulary
Writing

Examples of Expertise

Andrew has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 4 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Andrew ’s answers ›
Andrew P.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Andrew before you book.

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Contact Andrew
Response time: 11 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

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Reviews

Knowledgeable and patient tutor

Mr. P has been tutoring my 10th-grade son in English for about a month. My son often finds it challenging to generate ideas and put his thoughts into writing when he works on his assignments. Mr. P is very patient and explains things clearly. My son said he enjoys working with Mr. P each week. He feels that Mr. P’s instruction has helped him with close reading, selecting evidence, and organizing his thoughts and expression, making it easier for him to complete his English assignments. We look forward to continuing to work with Mr. P.

Yan, 6 lessons with Andrew
Hourly Rate: $100
Response time: 11 minutes
Contact Andrew