Tackling the College Essay with Karen Schwartz

Join us for an evening of insight and guidance on one of the most challenging parts of the college application process. The summer before senior year is the perfect time to begin brainstorming and preparing your college essay.

The college essay is your chance to show admissions officers who you are. But how do you write one that stands out?

Hastings essay coach and professional essay writer Karen Schwartz will demystify the process for students and parents, empowering students to write essays that are authentic, compelling, and true to themselves.

Meet the Coach

Karen Schwartz holds an MFA in nonfiction writing, with a concentration in essay writing, from Columbia University. She has written for many publications, including The New York Times, The New York Sun, and Marie Claire, where she was a contributing editor.

Karen began coaching when her own son told his friends, “My mom will help you with your essays.” Since then, she has guided students through the vulnerable but rewarding process of discovering what they want to say and how to say it well.

Her coaching helps students dig deep, reflect honestly, and write essays that truly come alive on the page. She sees the college essay not just as a writing assignment, but as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth:

“Done right, the college essay empowers students in a way that carries them through the application process and into young adulthood.”

Testimonials

“Karen has an uncanny knack for helping teenagers unlock what’s meaningful and true in their own experience. She then brings her professional expertise to bear in teaching them the specific craft of writing a personal essay, with a dose of nurture and humor that makes the process painless for both kids and parents.” — Susan, parent

“This isn’t even a college essay. I want to hang it on my wall.” — Adam, student

“Everyone applying to college should have a Karen.” — Bella, student