Frequently asked questions

High school students in California and their families, especially students applying to the University of California. I work with 9th through 12th graders. Younger students may want to start with a strategy session or Essential Advising, while seniors may prefer Comprehensive Advising or one-time essay and application reviews.

There are two kinds of services:

• Ongoing advising: Essential Advising ($149/month), Comprehensive Advising ($299/month), and a four-month Senior Application Package (pricing to be finalized).
• Individual services: Single Essay Review ($65), UC PIQ Package ($225), Application Review ($149), and College Strategy Session ($85).

See Services & Pricing for exactly what each one includes.

Each month includes a set number of 45-minute video calls and written feedback on a set number of drafts: two calls and two drafts with Essential Advising, or four calls and five drafts with Comprehensive Advising. Between calls, students can email questions and I reply within 48 hours on weekdays. Plans are invoiced at the start of each month and never renew automatically, so you can stop at any time.

No. No one can honestly guarantee admission to any college, and I never promise or predict outcomes. Prices are never tied to results. My goal is to help students present their own experiences as clearly and honestly as possible.

No. Students write every word of their own essays and applications. I give feedback through comments and questions, point out what’s unclear, and suggest what to expand or cut, but I don’t write, rewrite, or generate essay text. UC applicants confirm that their application is their own work, so this protects students too.

Email me at [email protected] (see what to include). I’ll reply by email within 2 business days, copying a parent or guardian for students under 18, to schedule a free 15-minute video call. On the call, we talk about the student’s goals and timeline, and I recommend a service if one is a good fit. There’s no obligation to sign up.

To request a consultation, I only need a few basic details by email. Please never send essays, passwords, or documents. For clients, drafts are kept in a private folder shared only with the student and their parent or guardian. I never share a student’s essays or use them as examples without written permission. Read the full Privacy Policy.