All those essays making you nervous?
We’ve got you covered!
MJ Halberstadt, MCA Essay Coach and Former Admissions Counselor
From choosing a topic to the detailed editing, MJ can help.
Whether you’re in need of 1-on-1 coaching from start to finish as you conceptualize, write, edit, and polish your Common App Essay, or you’re just looking for some extra support as you attack a mountain of Artistic Supplement Essay prompts — we offer customizable support, for whatever you need.
Here’s how it works…
The average student meets with MJ for three 55-minute sessions total during their essay process, from concept to completion, though his recommendation will vary based on the stage of your personal writing process.
In these 1-on-1 live virtual sessions, MJ will work with you to organize, develop, refine, and polish your essays, both for the Common App Essay and for any Academic & Artistic Supplement Essays you may need.
Choose a topic
Watch Video 1 on MCA Student Dashboard — The College Essay in Context
So much attention and pressure is placed on the mythical college essay, but it doesn’t have to be frightening! In this video, MJ discusses the “life cycle” of a college essay and provides some basic recommendations for writing a solid piece that you feel great about. You’ll find this video on your MCA Student Dashboard (accessible once you become an MCA student)!
Watch Video 2 on MCA Student Dashboard — Three College Essay Topics to Avoid
There are three particularly popular topics that are easy ones to address poorly in a college essay—and common wisdom suggests you should avoid them altogether. In this video, MJ clarifies the precise reasons why these topics are perilous, and provides examples of how you can write about them well. You’ll find this video on your MCA Student Dashboard (accessible once you become an MCA student)!
Write a draft
Choose A Topic
Next, It’s time to start a draft of your college essay—but how can you decide what to write about? Whether you’re choosing from more ideas than you can count or can’t think of one, MJ’s got your back. By the end of this video, you’ll identify a manageable number of quality topics to choose from.
Write Your First Draft
Once you’ve chosen a topic for your college essay that you feel great about, watch this video for some crucial tips before you write word one. MJ has guidance that may surprise you!
Revise + Polish
Revise, Revise, Revise!
Perhaps this is where MJ may be first meeting you in your process, or maybe you’ve already been working with him by the time you reach this stage. Either way, meet with MJ for revision work and polishing homework to ensure your essay is as strong, clear, personal, and eloquent as it can possibly be.
Supplements!
But Wait, There’s More!
It may sound counter-intuitive, but your main college essay is just one of several essays you’ll write as part of your applications. Jump in at Step 4 or continue working with MJ to learn about an effective shortcut for handling the most common type, generate ideas, and get feedback on these important extra essay responses.
Note: MCA Essay Prep Coaching with MJ is available exclusively to our MCA students. Looking to start your journey with us?
