I'm Malea, a private tutor and college applications coach. I've been tutoring since I was ten years old and have thousands of hours of experience as a tutor, life and career coach, and college essay review specialist.
As a college essay specialist, my goal is to help you to create an authentic, memorable, and focused essay.
In high school and college, I helped friends write and review their essays.
Then, I applied to grad school on a whim, writing my essay and entire portfolio on the day it had to be postmarked -- and, I was accepted by my first choice school!
I've helped students finesse and fine tune their essays to get into schools such as New York University, Vanderbilt, University of Arizona, and many more. I'd love to help you do the same!
Most recently, I've read thousands of applications for a top ranked graduate school. I've seen essays that range from completely boring to fully memorable -- memorable for both good and bad reasons!
This is for you if you already have an essay rough draft.
Maybe it's disorganized, grammar isn't your strength, you aren't sure if your essay is focused enough, or you just want an outside and honest review before submitting your applications.
In reviewing your essay, I'll be in depth, fair, and thorough. My clients benefit from careful attention and in depth notes, edits, and suggestions. Their essays are significantly stronger after my review.
It's not enough to say you want to save the world. You have to back it up with unique reasons that separate you from other applicants. Dig deep for a story or specific experience that will make your essay memorable.
Your point of view and your experiences make you who you are. Let the real you shine through in your essay! What are the special qualities and experiences that you'll bring to campus once you're admitted? Let these shine through.
Why do you want to go to this school? What are the specifics? Go beyond the surface and focus in on the finer details. Is there a specific professor you'd love to learn from? Perhaps there's a specific club attached to your intended major that would make all the difference?
Mistakes past clients have made have included:
Highlighting only failures without explaining any lessons learned;
Saying the opposite of what they meant and undermining their entire purpose;
Being so vague the essay wasn't memorable;
Making things up, thus not sounding credible;
Saying the same thing as 90% of other applicants.
I can help you fix all of these issues and more!
Click HERE or on the button below to fill out an essay review intake form, select a time slot for your review, and submit a $60 payment for your initial essay review. This will all happen via Calendly and Stripe.
I'll review your essay within 48 hours of your timeslot start.
I will return a copy of the essay with copious notes and a copy of the essay with all of my suggestions integrated into the draft using Google Docs. I'll also note places in which you may need to add details or specific ideas that only you can furnish.
If you need additional reviews, you'll have the option to schedule a Zoom video call ($45/hr) or to resubmit your essay with any changes or updates for review ($45 per follow up review).
"Malea helped shepherd my son through his college applications a few years ago, including reviewing his essay. Her assistance was a tremendous boost, not only to his admission, but to his continued success in his school work. He is now living well on his own and working in his chosen field."
~ Parry B.
"My daughter had a non-traditional education as a homeschooler and Malea has been one of her educational consultants for the past decade. Malea has always given helpful feedback on assignments and edited my daughter's college essay which helped tremendously during the stressful college application process. I whole heartedly recommend Malea."
~ Marc W.
I will give your essay my full attention during your review. I will help you to strengthen your message, make your essay memorable, and tie your story together.
I won't write your essay for you. This is YOUR essay. It needs to tell YOUR story.