Tackling the College Essay with Karen Schwartz

The college essay is the place to show admissions officers who you are and what makes you tick.But how do you write one?

Hastings essay coach and professional essay writer Karen Schwartz will demystify the process for students and parents and empower students to write essays that stand out by being true to themselves.

Meet the Coach:

Karen Schwartz holds an MFA in nonfiction writing, with a concentration in essay writing, from Columbia University.

She has written for many publications, including The New York Times, The New York Sun and Marie Claire, where she was a contributing editor.

Karen began coaching when her own son told his friends, “My mom will help you with your essays.” Since then, she’s been guiding students through the vulnerable but rewarding process of discovering what they want to say and how to say it well.

Her coaching helps students dig deep, reflect honestly, and write essays that truly come alive on the page. She sees the college essay not just as a writing task, but as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth: “Done right, the college empowers students in a way that carries them through the application process and into young adulthood.”

Testimonials:

"Karen has an uncanny knack for helping teenagers unlock what’s meaningful and true in their own experience. She then brings her professional expertise to bear in teaching them the specific craft of writing a personal essay, with a dose of nurture and humor that makes the process painless for both kids and parents.” Susan, parent

“This isn’t even a college essay. I want to hang it on my wall.” Adam, student

“Everyone applying to college should have a Karen.” Bella, student

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