To write is to think
With over twenty years of experience teaching writing, I can help you to think by writing and to craft those thoughts into well-polished prose.
For those applying to colleges, I can help you to develop essays that will not only catch the attention of admissions officers but will also reveal what Socrates thought of as that oh-so-important key to a meaningful life: self-knowledge.
Just as building muscles at the gym requires effort, some of our work will be difficult. However, I hope to leave you feeling that no matter what your project entails, the sweat was worth it. Besides, it’s always more fun when there is a coach at your side.
Services
University Applications
I can assist every phase of the essay writing process, from brain-storming ideas to polishing penultimate drafts, and can also help you to make strategic decisions about which tests to take, when to take them, and where to apply.
Letters
I help craft cover letters for job and internship applications. For any letter you may be writing, I can help you to illustrate the ways in which you shine. No task is too small.
CVs and Resumes
When space is limited, each word matters more than ever. I can help you to find the right ones and to highlight your strengths to make you stand out. I can even help you to uncover strengths that you may have missed.
Course Work
Writing is thinking, and I offer assistance in all academic writing tasks.
Presentations and Other Projects
If your project needs text, I can help you craft the words that will get your message across.
About the Writing Coach
Barbara Gail Montero, PhD
Professor of Philosophy
I am an award-winning professor of philosophy at the City University of New York and have taught the art of composition at the University of Chicago (through their academic and professional writing program) and UC Berkeley (through both their re-entry program and their learning disabilities program). I’m deeply interested in the skill of writing, and the theory of skill that I propose in my book Thought in Action illustrates my conviction that patience is the most important prerequisite for perfection.
Find out more about me on my academic web page.
“Her views on expertise may well represent the next stage in the evolution of this concept. In what seems like a sea of contrary views of skilled practice and proficiency, Montero swims gracefully against the tide of much stubborn technical and popular punditry according to which expertise is unmindful if not outright mindless.”
— Metapsychology Online Reviews
Testimonials
“Hey Barbara, I’m writing to let you know that I got into Harvard!!!
I really appreciated all the help you gave me in structuring and polishing my ideas. You helped me weave the many thoughts I had about the many strains of my life into a cohesive, organized story. Working with you was really enjoyable, and I loved talking with you about everything I had done during high school and the interests I wanted to explore.
Many applicants who are similar to me in academics and ECs are rejected. I think my essay made the difference, and I believe that working with you was invaluable in this dimension.”
“Honestly I can’t thank you enough for taking the time out of your day for me. I am going to take your suggestions and utilize them while I strive to make this paper one of the best I have ever written.”
“Thank you for all of the help you have given me on my personal statement. I have received an interview at Cambridge and await further news with regard to my offer. The rest is up to me now. Without your help there is no way I would have made it this far.”
“[Our son] got admitted to UChicago and is hopefully going there, if the university reopens and everything else works out. We are extremely happy about that. He also got NYU, Urbana Champagne and UTexas. Thank you for your guidance on writing. We will have to repeat the exercise in 4 years with our daughter and hope to work with you again.”
“Firstly, thank you so much! You helped me so much throughout this process, and I could not have done it without you! I still cannot believe my admission, and know it was majorly due to all your help in my writing.”
“[My daughter] kicked all the UCs asses but no one says no to the Ivy’s right? Thank you for your awesome support.”
“Although [my son] did not get an offer from Oxford he was successful with his 3 other UK applications – King’s College – London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow for medicine. He recently accepted King’s College and will attend his first term virtually from Dublin. Sincere thanks from one mother to another. I am confident that [he] put his best foot forward in all his applications and together with his strong Personal Statement he was fortunate to receive 3 great offers. Thank you for continuing to guide, advise and work with [him] on his PS [personal statement] until you were totally happy with his final draft.”
“I reached out for your help at such short notice and am so grateful for the time you kindly carved out to help [our son] today. His personal statement contributes a large slice of his UK admission and we really appreciate your invaluable input.”
“We are all set! We’ve submitted all the applications. It’s been a pleasure working with you.”
“It seems that we only have time for more cosmetic rather than structural changes. We think though that these new essays start off better as we learned a lot from working with you on the Penn essays.”
“Thanks for your help on that letter to the artistic director. I actually ended up being invited to an audition because of it!!!”
“Thank you so much for your comments! They were really helpful, I don’t think I would have caught those at all on my own.”
“Thank you SO much, Barbara!”
“I like your suggestion about the beginning a lot — much snappier and clearer. But I have to think about it more, since I’m not exactly sure that’s what I’m actually addressing with this project. (Hmmm, the challenges and pitfalls of making things clearer!) Glad I can just cut the part of my research background.”
“[My son] really enjoyed working with you. He will have more supplementals going forward, so I am sure we’ll be in touch. Thank you!”
“Hi Barbara – thank you for your feedback and encouragement!”
“Thank you so much Barbara. [My daughter] feels that it’s a great blessing and a privilege to be working with you….i do too :)”
“I can’t thank you enough for helping [my daughter] with her writing! So far she has been loving it and I am sure she will keep reaching out to you!”
“Thank you so much for all your help and advice. It was a pleasure working with you.”
“I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year 2021. Thank you for your efforts supporting me and my wife in our assessments. Looking forward to work with you again in 2021.”