Take the stress out of college admissions.

You’ve made it this far—now it’s time to get organized and finish strong. I help college-bound students discover their voice and find their place.

Most families get overwhelmed by the college admissions process, and understandably so.

Parents are worried about nailing a strategy while balancing a constant flux of information, particularly in recent years. Students are focused on learning, becoming who they are, and envisioning what’s next. That’s a lot for anyone to manage.

With my support, everyone gets relief.

I can help families with any and all aspects of the college admissions process, from start to finish. First, I meet with parents for a complimentary discovery call. I begin with a bird’s eye view, gathering the parent perspective on the student's strengths, pivotal moments, and any challenges they have overcome.

After that, it’s time to get started with the most important piece of the college admissions process: the personal essay. For me, it’s also the most fun.

I ask questions and engage students in conversation to help them think through their personal narrative, teach them how to highlight their strongest qualities, and support them in crafting essays that will make them shine. I help families strategize where to put their time and energy.

To that end, I also work with students on their supplemental essays to ensure that their voice stays consistent across their applications. Not only does each student I work with develop into a better writer, but they become more confident and self-assured overall.

I offer three set packages and can easily tailor additional plans to ensure that families receive the support they need.

Find out more about how I can be there for your family.

HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER

  • The Self Starter

    Up to five 1-hour sessions, during which I help your student compose their primary, 650-word personal essay.

    INVESTMENT: $1500

  • The Big Dreamer

    In addition to sessions devoted to the primary essay, this includes up to four more sessions for any supplemental essays.

    INVESTMENT: $2,500

  • The Real Deal

    A comprehensive, 20-week package that includes one session per week, tailored to fit each student's needs. Sessions can be devoted to planning where to apply and when, sketching out, drafting, and polishing the personal essay, and composing each supplemental essay, until all applications are finished.

    INVESTMENT: $6,000

Book A Complimentary Discovery Call Now

Inquire about custom packages and single sessions:
samanthashanleyconsulting@gmail.com

SCHOOLS MY STUDENTS HAVE ATTENDED

  • “I cried yesterday and again this morning after reading her essay. She nailed it. You helped her reveal her most authentic self. We are beyond thrilled.”

  • “Samantha is like that cool, hip English teacher who makes her students want to work hard for her.”

  • “I was thrilled with how things turned out! He was so much more confident after working with you. I was very touched by some of his statements.”

  • “She has really enjoyed working with you and we are grateful for all of your help! So relieved to have this done before the school year starts.”

  • “Hi! Exciting news. I was accepted to my ED school this afternoon! I cannot thank you enough for all your help with my essays. Thank you so much!”

  • “Please know how grateful we are for your help. This is a great place and fit for her. Thank you!”

I am an accomplished writer and educator with over 25 years of experience. I earned my BA in Religion from Middlebury College and my MFA in Creative Writing from American University with a focus on the teaching of writing. As an adjunct instructor, I developed and taught freshman writing seminars at American University and George Washington University.

ABOUT ME

I have advocated for families in crisis in Boston and South-Central Los Angeles, taught hygiene and nutrition in developing countries, and edited written materials for an international public health organization.

I have lived all over the world, including a four-year stint as an expat in Munich, where I gave birth to my second child as a midwife corrected my German grammar. Over time, I have learned three foreign languages, in addition to bits of Nepalese and Tibetan.

Now, I lead private writing workshops, offer tutoring to students of all ages, and teach nonfiction at GrubStreet in Boston. My essays have been published in the Washington Post, the New York Times, and other publications. I have recently completed my first book.

For 13 years, I was a volunteer in the Middlebury College Alumni Admissions Program, interviewing and evaluating potential candidates for the school. In that time, I also worked as a private essay coach with students all over the country who were admitted to highly competitive colleges and universities.

To enhance my support for students, I earned a Certificate in College Advising from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College in July 2023. I can help with all aspects of the college application process, from start to finish.

I have three children—two teenagers and one in middle school. I live near Boston and work both remotely and in person with students and families from all backgrounds and with a variety of educational goals.