College Essays that Stand Out From the Crowd
Unique, Memorable, Persuasive, Stylish
College essays are a crucial part of the application process. They are an opportunity for applicants to make a decisive impression on admission committees, and to distinguish themselves from other applicants through genuinely creative, powerfully written, and memorable essays. As a highly skilled and experienced coach, writer, and academic, my job is to help students create their strongest possible essays, and to have a genuinely rewarding experience along the way. I help create essays that work to propel students toward their college application goals, and my process will offer them lasting growth as writers and thinkers.
Whether brainstorming, outlining, writing, or editing, I offer guidance at any phase. And don't worry, STEM-centric folks—you write some of the most unique, potent essays of all! I approach my work by balancing results-driven focus with a sense of enjoyment, openness, and humor. Forging a supportive, collaborative relationship with applicants is one of the best parts of my job.
About Dr. Gabriel Mehlman
As a writer, scholar, university educator, and longtime devotee of the written word, I use my combined expertise to offer exceptional guidance and mentorship. I hold an MA and a PhD in English Literature from UCLA, where I taught courses in literature and writing for seven years. Before UCLA, I earned my BA in English (Phi Beta Kappa) from Reed College. My own writing has been published in both scholarly and literary journals, and I have delivered lectures nationally and internationally on a range of literary subjects. In addition to my years of independent coaching, I have previously coached and written material for the College Essay Guy team, and I have worked with boutique counseling services here in Los Angeles, where I live with my wife. My college essay students have been accepted into the full range of Ivies, Stanford, MIT, Chicago, CalTech, UCLA, Berkeley, Michigan, Northwestern, USC, Carnegie Mellon, and many, many other top colleges and universities. However, one size does not fit all—whatever your top choices, we'll craft essays that distinguish your application.
“Gabriel taught me how to write engaging and unique essays. He showed me how to effectively tell a story and balance important details with reflections on your experiences. I liked the fact that he was extremely knowledgeable about certain schools' supplementals like the UCs and knew how to write a captivating response. Working with him has not only made me a better writer and a stronger college applicant, but has also helped me receive an acceptance to Princeton University!”
Vijay, student
“We had many college counselors and essay reviewers throughout this whole process, but Gabriel was by far the best. He was so encouraging and simultaneously ensured that my voice was maintained in my writing, while also being very honest about any changes he felt were necessary or would improve things even in the smallest ways. I wouldn't have the polished essays I have right now without his dedicated support, and I highly recommend him!”
Eunhee, parent
Services
I can offer help at any phase in the process, whether you are beginning your essay journey or already have drafts in process or completed.
Provide a comprehensive introduction to college essay writing for those beginning the process. This clear, nuanced discussion will allow us to establish a shared understanding for creating essays that speak with power to admissions readers.
Brainstorm Common Application essay approaches and determine the strongest, most original directions. As we brainstorm, I will help you identify and develop a unique topic and approach to the essay—one that inspires you, and one that will inspire a reader.
Provide close guidance during the first draft process. We will work closely on the writing you produce, exploring, editing, planning and reviewing revisions, as we move towards a strong first draft.
Edit and revise drafts to create an amazing, polished piece. Working through drafts to arrive at the polished jewel is critical.
Offer close guidance on supplemental essays. We will work through individual schools’ supplementals, creating a portfolio of strong essays for each school. This process will involve thorough discussion and planning of individual essay questions. We will also work to identify “core” essays that can be adapted for multiple schools.
Edit and revise supplemental essays. As with the Common App essay, editing and revision will allow us to truly reach our ceiling.
Work with on activities lists and additional written materials. The activities list is a vital part of the process, and the proper selection and phrasing can make a difference for an admissions committee.
Draw from my range of written resources to supplement our sessions. These include school-specific guides, sample essays from successful applicants, and essay-topic-specific guides.
Provide clear action items to keep you on track. After each session, we will establish clear steps for you to take before the next session.
Develop your confidence, skills, and vision as a writer. Our work together will pay dividends well beyond this process. You will emerge with finer and more creative writing skills, an ability to clearly articulate your experience, thoughts, and feelings in writing, and meaningful insights into your experience and what matters most to you.
Build a meaningful mentoring relationship. Our time together will allow us to get to know one another, develop a rapport and sense of trust, share moments of laughter, and feel a mutual sense of accomplishment in our results.
“Gabriel is an expert writer, he's also a pleasure to work with. He cares about the student, he does his best to make himself available, the quality of his work is outstanding, and he is very efficient. Students really learn by his hand. We'll continue to work with Gabriel. We couldn't be more thankful to him.”
“I loved working with Mr. Mehlman. At first, I was nervous about using the help of someone I didn’t know with something so crucial to my life, but Mr. Mehlman’s demeanor and skills helped me build confidence as I wrote more and more essays. Mr. Mehlman’s qualifications were evident through his edits, explanations, and expertise about what colleges were looking for in essays. Mr. Mehlman also adjusted my essays to the caliber needed while not pushing out my personal touch and voice in the essay. Additionally, I felt comfortable sharing even very personal or what I thought were poorly written essays without worrying about judgmental feedback, and instead received feedback professionally and constructively. I highly suggest anyone adopt Mr. Mehlman’s services for their best chances at writing great essays.”
Mook, student
Lili, Parent
