College Essay & Executive Functioning Coach
I work with high-school students who are capable and thoughtful, helping them produce exceptional college essays and build the executive functioning to sustain work on their own.
With decades of experience supporting high-school writers, I offer coaching that is practical and developmentally appropriate.
With me, students learn how to think, structure, and follow through with their work on their own.
For College Admissions:
Most college essays fall short because they are vague, emotionally flat, or “safe.”
I work with students to produce writing that is:
Conceptually sharp: Students create clear, precise narratives, and not generic essays that could apply to anyone.
Structurally sound: Every word, sentence, and paragraph is precise and conveys clear meaning.
Voice-driven: Students’ distinct voices emerge in a way that humanizes them to admissions committees.
We move well beyond brainstorming and editing to:
Develop a central narrative that is unique and memorable.
Hone ideas for sophistication and originality.
Draft with purpose and intent, always keeping the reader in focus.
Revise for clarity, concision, and impact.
Result: Essays that stand out because they are substantive, memorable, and unique.
Executive Functioning Coaching:
For students who need structure to match their ability.
Many strong students struggle with:
Procrastination.
Disorganization.
Inconsistent follow-through.
Distractions.
These struggles do not come from lack of motivation; they come from underdeveloped executive functioning skills that can support the student where they are, getting them to where they can be.
Drawing on nearly two decades of work with a wide variety of learning profiles in middle and high school, I work with students to build:
Time management.
Task breakdown systems.
Accountability loops.
Completion habits.
Task prioritization.
Organization strategies.
Cognitive flexibility.
Emotional regulation.
Result: A student who is reliable, organized, and capable of sustained, independent work.
What My Approach Leads To:
Students I work with:
Complete college essays that are clear, thoughtful, and genuinely their own.
Start and finish assignments with less avoidance and stress.
Produce writing that reflects their actual ability and who they are.
Develop systems they can carry into college and beyond.
Have gone on to such prestigious institutions as Brown University, Middlebury College, New York University, Princeton University, and Stanford University.
Result: Not just better grades, but a student who knows how to think clearly, write confidently, and approach assignments with confidence.
Start with a free consultation.
I’ll talk through your student’s needs and map out a plan to help them succeed.
You may find my tutoring policies—including rates—here.
What Former Students and Parents Are Saying
“Brian’s writing classes gave me a real edge—I started college ahead of many of my peers.”
— Former Student“I learned how to use evidence and explain its significance—skills that set me apart from others [college students].”
— Former Student“I became a stronger writer because I was constantly pushed to explain how I know what I know—and why it matters.”
— Former Student“I’m so glad our kids have had you as a teacher. […] Your wisdom, dedication and passion for literature are inspiring and a model for bringing curiosity to learning. I also want to thank you for all you have done to help [our son] over the years. He will be a better human because of it.”
— Parent“You shared with me that [my daughter] was opening up more and more. What I noticed was that you saw her, you saw her gifts and appreciated what she had to offer—and she responded. I never would have imagined that she would feel so confident in her reading (especially not Shakespeare!), but she does. Her faith in her abilities has grown so much, in part due to the experience she had [working with you]."”
— Parent“I was among the 7% of students to receive an ‘Exemplary’ rating on my college writing portfolio.”
— Former Student“The power of persuasion is real—I’ve used these writing skills to successfully pitch major projects at work.”
— Former Student“I am extremely grateful for your work with [my student] these last 2 years. He has grown as both a reader and a writer tremendously due to your mentorship of him. […] The analysis and reading skills you have taught will be life skills for him in all of his work going forward. I am thankful to you for this.”
— Parent“Thank you so much for all your work with [our son] this year and last. He has become a much stronger writer with your help. It is wonderful to see him be able to express himself so well.”
— Parent“Thank you so much for bringing out the critical thinker and creative storyteller we’ve always known [our daughter] to be, and for giving her the wings to soar. Her growth as a creative and a humanist has been remarkable and truly a joy to witness; and we have you to thank for that. Much of that growth is a reflection of the way you challenge your students, expect a lot from them—in the best way—because you believe in their potential, and inspire them.”
— Parent“Learning to ask ‘So what?’ transformed how I write—it keeps my work focused on what actually matters.”
— Former Student“These skills go beyond writing—they’ve helped me in interviews, presentations, and leadership positions.”
— Former Student“[Y]ou really have changed the way I write, the way I speak, and the way I see literature. You have helped me find my voice.”
— Former Student“Thank you for imparting your wisdom and knowledge into our kiddos. Expanding their minds and encouraging their growth in the written word. It has been a joy seeing how [our daughter] has blossomed under your tutelage.”
— Parent“I truly mean it when I say you changed the way I think my entire perspective on politics, sports, movies, and even video games completely changed from your teaching of ‘why do we think what we think?’ This factor of ‘why’ changed my entire world view.”
— Former Student