Hi! I’m Alissa — a current student in the Physician-Scientist BS/MD Program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Albany Medical College (a 1% acceptance rate!). I was also admitted to several highly selective universities including Brown University, University of California, Berkeley, Rice University, and Emory University — which means I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how to turn real experiences into compelling essays.
The thing about college essays is that they’re not really...
Hi! I’m Alissa — a current student in the Physician-Scientist BS/MD Program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Albany Medical College (a 1% acceptance rate!). I was also admitted to several highly selective universities including Brown University, University of California, Berkeley, Rice University, and Emory University — which means I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how to turn real experiences into compelling essays.
The thing about college essays is that they’re not really about grammar. They’re about voice. Story. Perspective. The little details that make someone pause mid-sentence and think, oh — this person is interesting. My own essays ranged from exploring untold stories in science to late-night philosophical conversations over Baja Blast at Taco Bell (yes, really). That process taught me how powerful a well-told story can be — and how hard it is to write one alone.
Beyond my own applications, I have extensive experience editing and mentoring student writing. As Editor-in-Chief of the Youth Journal of STEM, I worked with over 200 student writers helping them transform research ideas structured works of writing. I love helping students find the angle that makes their work shine: the unexpected connection, the vivid moment, the deeper “why” behind what they do.
I'll help you brainstorm topics, develop strong narratives, and build essays that feel authentic. I especially enjoy working with students interested in medicine, science, and competitive programs (including BS/MD), but I’m excited to help anyone who wants to write essays that feel thoughtful, personal, and genuinely them.
My goal is simple: when an admissions officer reads your essay, I want them to feel like they’ve just met YOU.
