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Columbia/Harvard Grad | Writing Consultant/Application Essays
Kristen M.

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Hourly Rate: $40
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About Kristen

Bio

Hi, I'm Kristen. I graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia University, majoring in East Asian Languages & Literatures, focused on Chinese language and history. I later received a full scholarship to Harvard's M.A. Regional Studies--East Asia program, where I earned an Honorable Mention for my master's thesis. After graduating, I completed a research fellowship at the University of Virginia.

Professionally, I have worked in Chinese-English translation and interpretation,...

Hi, I'm Kristen. I graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia University, majoring in East Asian Languages & Literatures, focused on Chinese language and history. I later received a full scholarship to Harvard's M.A. Regional Studies--East Asia program, where I earned an Honorable Mention for my master's thesis. After graduating, I completed a research fellowship at the University of Virginia.

Professionally, I have worked in Chinese-English translation and interpretation, writing and editing museum exhibition content as well as helping high school, college and graduate students in their higher education application processes. I have consulted on all types of long-form pieces--from college personal statements through PhD thesis proofreading and content development. I am capable of assisting students in both Mandarin and English.

Knowing your writing is knowing your audience. I also tutor in creative writing (particularly the personal essay and creative nonfiction). As a junior in college, I was selected to participate in the Yale Writers' Workshop, in addition to application-only writing workshops through Columbia University.

Moreover, I served for 3 years as an alumni interviewer for Columbia's Undergraduate Admissions, interviewing over 30 undergraduate applicants. I have worked in tandem with multiple educational consulting firms to assist in essay development for college/med school/law school applicants of all backgrounds and starting points. I am currently enjoying freelance writing consulting, essay revising, proofreading and editing!

Last but not least, I have keen understanding of higher education admissions: having applied to college as a senior in high school, again as a college freshman to transfer college, as well as graduate school, I am equipped to assist in all application material preparation and development.

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Education

Columbia University
East Asian Studies
Harvard University
Masters

Additional Languages

Mandarin Chinese

Policies

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Chinese

Chinese

I have worked in Chinese-English translation for over 3 years both in written translation (Classical Chinese and modern Chinese) and spoken interpretation. I started learning Chinese 13 years ago and have taken high school, college and grad-level Chinese language courses (including literary Chinese and Business Chinese). I have completed study programs in Beijing at Peking University under language pledges and have worked in Mandarin-only professional work settings. I am equipped to tutor in "textbook" Chinese, conversational Mandarin or professional practice.
College Counseling

College Counseling

I have years of experience working with high school and college-age students in guiding them through the college selection and application process, strategizing where to apply (or apply transfer) to college. Having applied to college twice (once as a freshman in high school and also a transfer student my freshman year of college) as well as to grad school, I approach the counseling process holistically to help present the summation of a person. I have worked with top educational consulting firms in the U.S. and abroad, and I have also served for 3 years as an Alumni Interviewer for Columbia Undergraduate Admissions. I also have international experience working with applicants from East Asia, China in particular.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

I enjoy helping writers find their voice and present it well. Coming from Columbia's Creative Writing program, I've taken Beginning and Intermediate Creative Nonfiction Workshops, where I regularly wrote, edited and revised creative personal essays and presented feedback on 10+ peers' works. I was also selected to attend the Yale Writers' Workshop in 2018. I moreover have publishing experience, having previously interned for Columbia University Press.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I have tutored in English as a Second Language for over 5 years, working with students ranging from elementary school to college. I have proficiency to teach both in English and Mandarin.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I have worked as a Writing Consultant/Essay Reviser for over 5 years, helping dozens of high school, college and grad-level students strategize, edit and develop their academic and personal essays - from college/grad school application personal statements to senior theses to PhD dissertations. I have worked with many international students, for many of whom English is not their first language.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

I have 5+ years experience in admissions writing consulting, including advising on and editorial development for personal statements. I have worked with both high school students and college grads seeking higher ed degrees--both in humanities (undergrad, law school, PhD) as well as in the sciences (like engineering/med school). My philosophy is that even a simple topic can be delivered with impact when delivered carefully and artfully. What is said is important--but how it's said makes it memorable. In addition to regular college and grad school applications, having applied transfer my freshman year of college, I am well-equipped to assist students in developing their transfer application and its unique set of questions.
Proofreading

Proofreading

With a B.A. from Columbia and M.A. from Harvard and 5+ years experience in writing consulting for academic essays, theses and college/grad school applications, I am a skilled proofreader in analytical and creative writing (including personal statements).
ACT English
Writing
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Hourly Rate: $40
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