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As an aspiring actress applying to some of the best schools in the country, I thought that the best way to go about writing my college essay was to shine a light on one of my most heavily guarded memories--the day my grandmother realized that I could sing. After all, acting is all about exposing yourself and your pain and your experiences so that others might feel.
Little did I know that writing that essay was going to bring up not just one painful memory, but hundreds. I was swimming in disjointed ideas and half-baked possibilities, not to mention stress and anxiety over not being able to write the "perfect" essay. And when I felt like my world was going to end (because that's how everything feels when you're in high school), you stepped in and helped me find my voice again.
You edited countless drafts and offered constructive criticism that eventually led me to create a piece that truly captured who I am. When it came to my college essay, you not only guided me through the emotional minefield--helping me string together ideas in a way that made sense while still maintaining the essence of the story--but you helped me rediscover my love of writing.
-Lauren Teixeira
Northeastern University
Class of 2019
(from a parent)
Recently, we attended a little “meet and greet” event at Brown for RI, MA, and CT accepted students. As suspected, the number of applicants increases every year. This year was the biggest pool and "very competitive." At one point during the evening, Grace introduced herself to the Head of Admissions who also reads the RI applications. The woman remembered Grace, her application, and complimented Grace’s essay, quoting a specific metaphor that made an impression. You said that might happen. And it did!!
Remarkable.
Thanks again for your support!
Angela
Heading into the college essay process, I had several ideas in mind, but wasn’t sure how to mold them into an essay I was excited to share. With all your help, I was able to turn these undeveloped anecdotes into an essay that revealed my most defining traits. I am extremely proud of the finished product. You were incredibly generous with your time and advice and I have the utmost appreciation for your guidance. This was certainly the best decision I made during the application process.
-Griffin Clark
Class of 2027
Mr. Brocato told me, DO NOT write about sports. That’s exactly what I did. We worked throughout the summer and into the fall, crafting an essay that was not only about sports, but was a testament to myself and my accomplishments. I couldn’t have written this essay without him.
-Amanda Dronzek
In the process of helping me write my college essay, you helped me find the rawness that I was looking for. I never wanted my essay to seem overly fabricated and artificial. Instead, I was looking to produce a piece with a sense of organicness and truth, qualities you could pick out and encourage me to showcase with your eye for honestly. You influenced me to find the suitable balance between structural sophistication and a sense of free-form risk. Your fine-tuned attention and nit-pickiness helped me provide my essay conciseness. Most importantly, it was your dedication as a teacher that provided me with the greatest elements to add to my piece. With your care provided to me individually, you gave me unique feedback that enabled me to see myself more clearly and craft a sincere paper - an ode to who I am.
-Eleanor Fulghum
College of the Holy Cross
Class of 2020
The process of creating a college essay is frustrating and overwhelming for most high school students. During the editing process you helped me link my ideas to develop a story where readers could feel something, connecting to an individual. Your advice helped me to hone in on the importance of focusing on my main points rather than straying from them. Personally, I struggled with making my college essay something that wasn't so straight forward. You gave me the confidence to take creative license and create something unique, a piece that truly reflects who I am. Thank you for investing the time to get to know me as a person. Understanding who we are as individuals, and caring about helping us stretch to reach for our dreams is the part of the recipe that bring students and teachers closer together. Your advice helped me embrace my nerves and fears and welcome the feeling of butterflies.
-Brooke Fennell
University of Rhode Island
Class of 2020
When I began the college essay process, I had no idea where to even start. You pointed me to an idea that spoke to me immediately: a six-word autobiography from my junior year creative writing class. With your help, these six words became a 650-word story that I am truly proud of and captures who I am. Writing my college essay became the least stressful and most enjoyable part of my application process.
With your help, I found the story that I wanted to tell about myself. I was able to find a balance between my love for metaphorical writing and the past experiences that I wanted to share. You helped me to connect my past and present to write a story that showcased my drive and willingness to challenge myself in a way that was true to who I am. And, finally - 650 words didn't seem like enough to say everything that I wanted to until you helped me to pick the right ones. From a draft of 870 words, your editing was invaluable to help me find my voice in an essay that is barely more than a page. Each time I submit an application, I know that I am putting my best foot forward because my essay is truly my story. I cannot thank you enough for helping me to craft it in such a way.
-Mia Schenenga
Class of 2027
And this is the type of email I regularly receive. Full disclosure: it leaves a smile on my face all day long! It's why I LOVE college essay coaching.
Hi Marc,
I just wanted to let you know that I was accepted into Brown last night!!! I am so excited!!! I can't believe it!!! I just wanted to thank you so much for all of your help on my essays. I appreciate it so much. Thank you so much for everything!!!!
Sincerely,
Rebecca
Mr. Brocato was an invaluable resource to me through the process of writing my essay. Going in, I was concerned I wouldn’t have a major life changing event to center my essay around. However, his essay service helped me discover that some of the most powerful essays are actually very simple, yet personal and honest works, of writing. After talking at length, we found the story of my office chair...the chair I had done every piece of homework in since the time I was young, to be the best option to write about. I never knew how an inanimate object such as a chair could so beautifully illustrate my journey toward college and allow me to express who I truly was. I believe I had great success with the college essay process because of the moving and deeply personal essay Mr. Brocato helped me create.
-Nick Sanzi
University of Rhode Island
Class of 2024
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