Question 1

What makes UC applications unique?

Accepted Answer

The University of California is a system of 9 schools: UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, and UC Merced. Students submit one application for all UC campuses they apply to, and UC's expectations for students' Personal Insight Questions, or PIQs, are precise as well as different from more traditional college application essays.

I specialize in the UC system, and my experience preparing students for these applications has provided me with inside knowledge pertaining to majors, programs, demonstrated qualities, and more.

Question 2

What if I want to apply to schools other than/in addition to UC?

Accepted Answer

While I specialize in the UC system, I also offer coaching for schools that use the Common App, Coalition App, and other application systems. Please visit the Common App and Coalition App page to review details or request a quote.

Question 3

Do I have to come to you with an essay already written?

Accepted Answer

You may, though it's not a requirement. Part of my process is helping students arrive at new ideas, make new connections and find inspiration through writing exercises.

Question 4

What if I am unsure of my major choice?

Accepted Answer

I help students narrow down their interests and experiences through self-reflective writing, and through these exercises students are able to pinpoint themes and determine a direction for their writing. Communicating self-knowledge and focus in one's essay is key, so even if a student is unsure of their major, a solid and self-aware essay can still be written and competitive for admission.

Question 5

How does the UC waitlist and appeal process work?

Accepted Answer

Decisions are released around throughout March for freshmen (https://askmssun.com/uc-freshman-application-timeline/)and the end of April for transfer students.(https://askmssun.com/uc-transfer-application-timeline/) If you would like to pursue appealing for admission or crafting a waitlist statement, I will review your initial application and make recommendations for areas to address or emphasize in these new statements.

Question 6

What parts of the application do you work on with students?

Accepted Answer

The written portions—PIQs, Activities and Awards, and Additional Comments for UC; Personal Statements and supplemental questions for other colleges. I do answer general questions about the UC process and application, but my service is focused on the writing aspects and I do not help with college lists.

Question 7

Can you look at my draft and let me know if I'm on the right track?

Accepted Answer

I don’t look at any essays unless you have booked a service with me, but I am happy to answer any general questions you have about the process without needing to book a service first.

Question 8

Should I work with you on the Common App + UC, or just UC?

Accepted Answer

Working with me on both UC and Common App essays allows you to accomplish all your coaching and writing in one place. You will have already generated information and ideas during the UC writing portion and developed a rapport with me as a coach. In addition, I will track all of your essays for different colleges (UC and Common App), handling and organizing the workflow so you don’t have to, enabling a smoother application process.

Question 9

Common App–Can I change my college list after booking with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Adding more colleges may cost more, and any changes would need to be made prior to one month before the deadline, or when we begin working on that college (whichever comes first).

Question 10

Do you coach in-person or remotely?

Accepted Answer

I coach remotely. Drafts of essays are exchanged digitally and coaching feedback is given over the phone or in writing.

Question 11

Do you offer discounts for low-income students?

Accepted Answer

I do offer discounts to low-income students. The discount depends on the need presented. Please reach out to me individually to discuss your situation if you are interested and believe you qualify.

Question 12

What are your specific policies on deadlines?

Accepted Answer

I work with students to develop a schedule and timeline to ensure they maintain momentum and that I’m only working with a small group at a time. This allows me to devote enough attention to each student. Students may miss a deadline within that schedule without repercussions. However, I reserve the right to cancel the service without granting a refund after the student has three (3) unexcused missed deadlines. A “missed deadline” is defined as incomplete work or work submitted past a given deadline with no prior notice to us.

The point of this structure isn’t to penalize students, so if scheduling conflicts arise, students or parents can always talk with me about adjusting the schedule before multiple deadlines are missed.

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