Why Summit instead of another company?

We could talk your ear off about this one, but here’s a few highlights. First, we are current teachers who know how to build rapport with teens and help them find their unique voice, which is the whole point of the college essay. Additionally, we have a proven track record of success. Our former clients now attend Dartmouth, Duke, Wesleyan, Tulane, Bowdoin, Boston University, Boston College, Holy Cross, Northeastern, Syracuse, University of Vermont, UCONN, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, and many more! Finally, we have a unique model that includes 1:1 live Zoom meetings to guide students through the oft-intimidating brainstorming process as well as applying and implementing feedback and revisions. No road blocks, here! We invest just as much as you do in this process.

Why don't I just ask my English teacher?

While your English teacher is a great resource (remember, we're both full time English teachers in our day jobs!), teachers have a lot on their plate. Strong essays need to showcase YOU as an individual. Individualized support takes time and focus, and we are both excited to be able to offer both our expertise as experienced educators and our time to you outside of the classroom. We are solely focused on you, and the complete picture of who you are and what you can offer, and will walk you through the entire process of support from start to finish. Additionally, we have years and years of experience with the college essay process, as well as elite college admissions experience. The college essay process is different than a typical high school essay, and we hold expertise in college essays specifically.

What type of students do you work with?

We work with all types of students! It is our fundamental belief that all students have a story to tell, and one of our strengths as a business - we have experience teaching both AP students bound for the Ivy League and special education classes for students with learning differences, plus everything in between. You don't have to have perfect grades to work with us - we know that all students have strengths, and we focus on how you have grown and improved, and showcasing to admissions officers how you will continue to do that in college. Please reach out regardless of your perceived abilities as a student and/or writer - we see the best in you and want you to, too!

When during my high school career should I sign up?

The ideal time to begin working on your college essay is the summer before your senior year or early in the fall of your senior year. We continue working with students throughout their senior year depending on when their deadlines are. We recommend that your first session occur at least a minimum of one month before a deadline, but more time is better. Please note, we do not work with students before the spring of their Junior year.

When are sessions typically scheduled?

We both have full-time jobs as teachers and are contractually obligated until 3 or 3:30pm each day. We also aren't as young and sprightly as the students, so no sessions will run past 9pm. Sessions are available on weekday afternoons and evenings as well as weekends. In the summer, our schedules are much more flexible. We will ensure we have a mutually agreeable schedule for all of the sessions included in your package before confirming your package and accepting payment.

Are sessions in-person or virtual?

The vast majority of individualized sessions are virtual on Zoom. However, we are able to facilitate a limited number of in-person sessions if feasible. Maggie is located in Burlington, VT and Jacklyn is located in the Upper Valley region of VT/NH.

Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?

We offer a sliding scale for families who would not otherwise find college essay support accessible. This is a core pillar of our approach to this work and we welcome this opportunity to work with a diverse array of families. Please reach out to us to inquire and we would be happy to discuss!

Which advisor will I be working with?

Jacklyn and Maggie review all package requests and determine best fit based on our own expertise and experience, schedule availability, preferred meeting time, and more. We work hard to ensure that we have the right fit for each student.

Do you work with students on tight deadlines?

Yes! If your deadline is within 1 week of your inquiry, a rush fee does apply. Please reach out for specifics to your situation.

Is there "homework"? What happens in between sessions?

If you want to call it that, yes. We strongly believe that student ownership is a fundamental pillar of this entire process. We will not come up with ideas for you, and we will not write an essay for you. We WILL talk with you, ask questions, get to know you, and support you through this process! In between sessions, students will need to actively work on their writing in between sessions in order for this process to be successful. We are happy to speak more about this with students and parents if you have additional questions! 

How does the sign up process work?

Please fill out the form on our Contact page, and we will review your inquiry and reach out to you within 48 hours to discuss your package!