The college essay is your opportunity to showcase your authentic voice, tell your unique story, and stand out in the competitive admissions process. My approach to coaching is designed to ensure your essay reflects who you are.
Your story is unique; that’s why I take the time to get to know you—your experiences, values, and aspirations. My coaching is tailored to meet you where you are, whether you need help generating ideas, refining your prose, or polishing your final draft. I provide a structured approach with timelines to help get you from a blank page to an essay that communicates exactly who you are.
I’d love to help you compose an application essay that demonstrates what makes you, you!
Hourly “a la carte” services
For students seeking flexible, as-needed guidance on any stage of the essay-writing process. Ideal for those who need targeted feedback or assistance with brainstorming, drafting, or editing.
Personal statement consultation
A comprehensive review of your documents along with a 30-60 minute Zoom call for in-depth feedback and actionable next steps. Perfect for students looking to perfect their main essay.
Package A
Includes the Personal Statement Consultation service plus two additional 30-minute Zoom calls as needed during the drafting process. Designed for students who want ongoing support to refine their work.
Package B
Includes everything in Package A, plus guidance on two supplemental essays. Best for students applying to multiple schools with unique prompts.
Package C
Includes everything in Package A, plus guidance on four supplemental essays. An all-encompassing option for students with diverse applications requiring multiple essays.
Add-ons
- Brainstorming and finalizing your college list
- Last looks at the Common App before hitting “submit”!
- Resume development and formatting
- Scholarship essays
About me
My name is Melanie Haupt and I have been an educator for more than 20 years. I earned my Master’s in English Literature from the University of Colorado, Boulder and my PhD in English at the University of Texas at Austin, where I taught literature and rhetoric and writing for eight years. Since 2022, I have taught high school and middle school English Language Arts in Austin, Texas.
I started working as an essay coach in 2021 and discovered that I love working with high school juniors and seniors as they embark on their search for the perfect college for them.
Results
Students I have worked with have been accepted to:
American University
Arizona State University
Boston College
California Polytechnic University
Carleton College
Carnegie Mellon University
Clark University
Colorado School of Mines
George Washington University
Indiana University Bloomington
Penn State University
Stony Brook University
Texas A&M University
Texas State University
Trinity University
University of Arizona
University of Chicago
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Denver
University of Georgia
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of North Texas
University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas Dallas
University of Wisconsin Madison
Vanderbilt University
“Melanie provided just the right kind of guidance to help our son in the writing process. She helped him find his voice and express his passions and commitments. Working with Melanie was just the right kind of partnership we needed to feel good about the rest of the application process.“
— Dan J.-S., Boston, MA
“I am so grateful for Melanie’s assistance with the college application process. Her professionalism and diligence contributed to a remarkably smooth and even pleasant essay-writing experience. Melanie helped our daughter brainstorm ideas, outline her essays, write strong drafts, and revise her essays with a keen eye to both writing style and substance. In particular, Melanie spent time with our daughter to understand her background and her goals. Then she helped our daughter key in on the events, activities, and experiences that made her a unique college applicant and helped her shape those experiences into meaningful essays that powerfully told her story. Melanie’s thoughtful suggestions and edits helped our daughter refine multiple drafts of each essay until they were the strongest they could be.”
— Jen S-H., Buffalo, WY
Melanie’s college essay coaching has been instrumental in my application process. The personal statement and individual essays can be a challenge and it was nice to have an extra ear and experienced perspective.
Melanie and I started off with a walk to try to get to know each other better, discuss my interests, and my favorite classes. I was then given recommendations to get started on my essay, as well as suggestions to get my balanced college list together. I was able to share my essay document, get great feedback about drilling down and refining specific ideas.
Melanie’s caring and personal approach helped make the application essay process smooth. She worked with me to let my personality and interests shine through in my writing, but also stick to prompts and answer specific questions.
I am grateful for her help, putting me at ease, and would definitely recommend her guidance!
— Graham R., Austin, TX, Class of ’25
“Melanie’s help with our son’s college essays and short answer questions was invaluable. She is a superb writer and editor, and her guidance and feedback helped him craft his narratives in a clear, succinct, and engaging manner. We couldn’t have gotten through the stressful college application process without her!”
— Lesley, Austin, TX
Chicken Scratch Language Arts 