Expert, individualized college application essay guidance
Connections are the key to great college application essays.
I offer individualized guidance to help students bloom, supporting them as they go through the steps to create original college essays that stand out from the crowd by making connections.
Connect with a subject you are excited to talk about
Connect your experience to the values that make you special
Connect with your reader so admissions officers take notice
Services
Everyone has stories to tell. I work individually with students to focus on the stories that they want to tell, not those they think admissions officers want to hear.
Through a unique step-by-step process, we will work together to make your story stand out and your original voice shine through.
Unlike many college counselors, I focus entirely on application essays, meeting with students one-on-one over a series of sessions in which the student will generate ideas, write a series of drafts, and fine tune their voice and style. We meet over Zoom or in my home office, depending on student preference and location. I bring to the process the expertise developed through years of experience as a writer, coach, teacher, and tutor.
About Sophia
An experienced writer and editor, Sophia Lehmann has a Ph.D. in English and has devoted her career to mentoring high-school students as a teacher, tutor, and coach. Her students come from a wide range of backgrounds, and her passion is helping each one tap into their own voice and the subjects they care about to craft memorable essays. Her professional work as a writer and editor spans the gamut from academic essays to popular non-fiction to fiction. She was co-founding editor of a website for high-school students that provided information and guidance on choosing college majors and careers which was subsequently acquired by The College Board. A lifelong Bay Area resident and mother of two kids who are currently in college, she loves living in a walkable city with access to hiking trails and lots of great food.
Testimonials
“I believe I would not have gotten to where I am today without Sophia. She always had helpful and wise advice outside of the essay writing curriculum and coaching as well. She gave me the courage to believe in my abilities and strengths. I was thrilled when I was announced as a winning applicant for a Posse Scholarship and got into my dream college and knew she was one of the main people I needed to thank. To have Sophia as a coach is a wonderful experience a student can have. She connects with students on personal and academic levels and always cares about the students beyond their words.”
—Kayleea
“I am so grateful that I got to experience working with Sophia in my college essay journey! Not only did she help me continuously during the college application process, but she was also flexible and provided honest feedback on my essays. With her help, I managed to get admitted into one of my top schools!”
— Luis
Book a free consultation
Welcome to Essay→Connect! Contact me to schedule a free consultation to learn more about what I offer and how the process works.
