About Me

Introduction

Hi there! My name is Maggie, and I coach high school seniors through the writing portion of their college applications—whether it be the Common App essay or shorter, university-specific supplementals (including those found in the University of California application). I work with students who are set on pursuing higher education in the United States, helping them define their stories and communicate who they are to the decision makers that matter.

I recently graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara's College of Creative Studies with a B.A. in Writing and Literature and a Minor in Professional Editing. My coursework taught me the minutiae of grammar, structure, genre, style, and usage, all skills that I applied further in a series of writing and publishing internships.

I worked in literary publicity for two years, writing and editing press materials for Red Hen Press, Norton Professional Books, and Holly Watson PR (where I worked on publicity for New York Times Best Seller What's Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service). I also acted on Spectrum Literary Journal's editorial team, where I helped read, evaluate, edit, and publish over 500 pieces submitted by authors from around the world. Most recently, I transitioned into roles more strictly related to editing; I line-edited student essays for publication in UC Santa Barbara’s Starting Lines journal, as well as a 36-page ordinance draft for the City of Santa Barbara.

Finally, I spent two years as a tutor in my university’s writing center, where I grew to love counseling as much as I enjoyed doing the work of writing myself. Here, I learned how to guide students through the writing process and teach them in an encouraging, productive way. I am now excited to be pushing this passion into my next chapter, supporting students as they unlock exciting new futures through their compositions.

What can I do for you?

Your college essay is incredibly important. With so many applicants, universities struggle to select admittees from the sea of competition. Your essay is your saving grace in this regard, granting you an opportunity to interact directly with an admissions reviewer and share something that makes them remember you. But in a 650-word piece (I’m thinking of the Common App essay), it can be hard to determine what to say, how to say it, and how to make it all fit. But not to worry—that’s where I come in!

I have spent the last four years training my narrative, editorial, and tutoring skills, all uniquely preparing me to help you succeed. The college essay can be incredibly daunting, but as I see it, and as I hope you will too, this task creates an exciting site for self-exploration. With a series of writing exercises, personalized edits, and one-on-one meetings, I will navigate you through this process and leave you feeling confident in your final product.