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SMALL ESSAYS, BIG STAKES

Acceptance Rates — Class of 2029(Class of 2030 data not yet released)
4–5%
Columbia
Harvard
Stanford
6–7%
Brown
Northwestern
Pomona
9%
Williams
NYU
UCLA
11%
Tufts
USC
UC Berkeley

For every spot at a top school there are thousands of qualified applicants, each with great numbers and a fantastic transcript. That's why it's all too common for admissions officers to say “no” to students who deserve “yes.” So, how do you break out from the pack?

The Ultimate Opportunity

The Personal Statement or UC Insight Questions are the best place for most students to differentiate themselves and make the jump from qualified to accepted. That's because nearly all top schools review candidates “holistically,” meaning they're assessing each applicant as a whole person, not just stats. This is where students get to tell their own story and show exactly who they are.

The AI Mistake

The key word in “personal statement” is personal! Yes, AI can generate polished prose, but admissions officers know that real 17- and 18-year-olds are works-in-progress. This isn't the place to sound like a corporate press release. Instead it's your chance to show up as the thoughtful, curious, confused, ambitious, vulnerable, dynamic, still-developing human that you are! That's who they want to meet! Even if you've trained an LLM on your voice, relying on it will dilute the very authenticity that colleges are eager to find.

Where I Come In

No matter how cool or smart a student's parents are, helping on a project this high stakes and personal is impossible. Enter Amanda, your Essay Auntie. I've been doing this work for 25 years and I genuinely love helping kids find their voices and produce their best work. From initial brainstorming through final polish, I guide each student with thought-provoking questions and honest, productive feedback, as they write a personal statement or a set of insight questions that are authentic, compelling, and memorable. I'm always pushing towards an “A-ha Moment”…

THE A-HA! MOMENT

"But I'm just like every other science nerd"

"I don't have a hook, I like all my classes the same"

"My grades aren't great, that's all they'll notice."

The struggle is real. A lot of students have similar backgrounds, experiences, and interests, and many can't think of ways to present themselves that stand out. That's why I dig, talk, question and explore – because there's nothing like that "a-ha" moment when the student and I finally lock on to the topic, the story that makes them come alive on the page as an individual. So often the best stories pop up in a throwaway comment or random aside that comes up while we're talking about something else:

"…since I can't be a Bollywood princess I might as well…"

"…it's like that time when I quit ballet…"

"…I could always paint another mural in the garage…"

Wait, what?! Tell me more…! Each of those random comments led to a stellar and successful essay.

SUCCESS STORIES

The Bollywood Fan

The Ex-Ballet Dancer

The Muralist

TESTIMONIALS

Parents Say

"Amanda did an amazing job working with my daughter! They landed on a great topic that really showed an important side of Lola and really captured her voice and how she sees the world. A+"

— Sara J. Hasman, parent of Lola S., Northwestern class of 2023

"As a parent, I felt completely lost in the essay process. Amanda guided both my son and me with patience and expertise. Worth every penny."

— Michael R., Parent

"Amanda understands teenagers and knows how to bring out their best stories. She made the whole process less stressful for our entire family."

— Jennifer L., Parent

Students Say

Lucy G. - Williams Class of 2023

Amanda Marks

HOW I GOT HERE

I'm a product of the New York City private school world and a graduate of Wesleyan University, so the ecosystem of elite admissions has long been familiar to me. I started working in the office of test prep giant The Princeton Review when I was a senior in high school. After college, while growing a career in the entertainment industry, I consistently worked on the side as a tutor for the SAT, GMAT & LSAT.

Because it's more personal and creative than test prep, my favorite part was always when I'd continue to work with my standardized test students on their essays and applications. Even after I stopped tutoring, friends with kids would reach out for essay help, all too aware that no matter how smart and accomplished they might be, it's utterly impossible for a parent to help with this task. That's where the Auntie part comes in. I love digging in deep with my essay students and getting to know them through this exciting-yet-vulnerable, life-changing period. In fact, I consider it a privilege.

My story-telling chops are top-notch. I'm an award-winning writer/producer who did years in the trenches of the movie trailer business before pivoting to non-fiction television. Most recently I've been working on Discovery Channel's Expedition Unknown for six seasons and have filmed in over 20 countries. Helping students find their stories remains my favorite creative work. Based in Los Angeles, I work remotely with students across the country and around the world.

SERVICES & RATES

Hourly Rate

$250

Personal Statement Package

Your main 500-650-word Common App or Scoir/Coalition for College Essay

  • Discovery sessions to find YOUR story
  • Brainstorming and outlining
  • Multiple rounds of feedback
  • Guided final polish
  • Second editor / fresh eyes to review final draft prior to submission

Typically takes between 7-10 hours total. We'll spend however many hours it takes to get it right.

$1,500

UC Personal Insight Questions Package

  • All four PIQs (350 words each) from strategy to final drafts
  • Strategic selection of which 4 prompts to answer
  • Brainstorming unique angles for each
  • Making sure they work together as a portfolio
  • Multiple rounds of feedback on all four questions
  • Guided final polish on all four questions
  • Second editor / fresh eyes to review final draft prior to submission
$2,400

Additional Questions: Custom Packages

In addition to the main personal statement, some schools require additional unique short answer questions. If I'm working with your student on the main essay and you need support for additional essays, let's discuss package options.

A Note on Accessibility

I believe every talented student deserves great essay support, regardless of family finances. Each season, I reserve a limited number of spots at reduced rates for families with demonstrated financial need. If you're applying for college financial aid and these rates are out of reach, please mention it during our initial call.

FRIENDS & FAMILY REFERRAL RATE

Word-of-mouth is everything in this business. If someone who knows my work referred you, please mention it when you contact me for a special rate.

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

Ready to get started? Contact me for a free consultation to discuss your student's needs and goals.

CONTACT