Everyone who knows me knows that I'm a word magician. From syntax to symbolism, I can turn choppy, boring essays into a tear-jerkers. I've used this talent to coach students through their college applications for almost ten years.

But! To me, college essays are about more than words. It's a chance for students to reflect on what they've done and what they want to do next. It's their chance to figure out who they are, and what truly sets them apart from all the other straight-A students.

THAT is how to write winning essays.

I completed my BA and MA in Psychology at Stanford, where I studied and conducted research alongside Stanford admissions officers. Since then, I've served as an alumni interviewer for Phillips Exeter Academy, blogged about college admissions strategies, and appeared on education podcasts. This spring, I will be a panelist in a public discussion, hosted by Phillips Exeter.

I offer several different services, including full-service admissions packages, hourly consults, remote edits and "life coaching" (quarterly meetings in which we brainstorm and strategize about how to get the most enriching possible high school experience). To see a full list of services and prices, visit Paved With Verbs (http://www.pavedwithverbs.com/services.html). You can also see some of my writing on my blog, thehappytalent.com .