A short guide to writing a stronger, more impactful college essay
Most students don’t struggle with writing.
They struggle with how to approach the essay.
Empowered
Investment
Stress-Free
The Pattern
I see the same patterns every year.
Even the strongest students write college essays that fall flat — not because they aren't capable, but because nothing prepares them for writing the college essay.
Feel generic
Try too hard to impress
Don't fully capture who they are
This guide walks through the five mistakes I see most often — and how to approach them differently.
Testimonials
★★★★★
Jackie was very helpful with helping my daughter write her college essay. She provides great advice and guidance. My daughter was admitted in to the University of Texas and I believe her well written essay played a big role in that. I highly recommend Jackie!
Karen Myers
3 months ago
Verified Google Review
★★★★★
Jackie Howard puts an enormous amount of effort and love into her work, and I fully see the results of it. When I came to her, I was unaware, confused, and very behind in the application process. With countless Google Meets, exercises, and quick writes, she showed me the ropes and I was able to apply early action to 10 schools!! I am eternally grateful for all her guidance and support 💗💗
Wenona
4 months ago
Verified Google Review
★★★★★
Jackie was integral in helping our sons to get their college applications ready. She responds quickly in real time, and has a way of helping essays improve wonderfully, seemingly effortlessly. We will definitely utilize Jackie's services in the future.
Aletha Claussen-Schulz
4 months ago
Verified Google Review
★★★★★
With all the stress that comes with college applications, Jackie's guidance made everything feel so much easier. She helped me find my voice and tell my story in a way that felt true to who I am. I couldn't have had a more positive experience.
Zoe Honigblum
3 months ago
Verified Google Review
★★★★★
Jackie did an amazing job guiding me through the college essay process! Because of her brainstorming help and writing tips, I would've been so lost. Now I'm at my dream school! Go Canes!
Lydia Reider
3 months ago
Verified Google Review
★★★★★
Jackie was a pleasure to work with and successfully helped me to be all done with my applications as fast as possible! I really could not have done it without her, and I feel extremely confident with the work I have submitted thanks to her. There's no one better for this job!
Chloe M.
5 months ago
Verified Google Review
★★★★★
Helped me find, apply, and get accepted into colleges. Both writing advice and ideas for essays and I fully believe I could not have done this process without her. Even if I did get accepted I wouldnt get the massive scholarships (180k) that I currently am all because of both her assistance in writing and college application expertise.
Lackedson Soot
3 months ago
Verified Google Review
★★★★★
Jackie is the most amazing college counselor and helped me every step of the way, from writing my personal statement and supplementals to just giving advice when I needed some support. She is so kind and funny, and I felt incredibly comfortable talking to her about any questions or concerns. I could not have asked for a better mentor.
Scarlett Gronquist
a year ago
Verified Google Review
★★★★★
I highly recommend Jackie's writing workshop the summer before Senior year. Jackie really helped my son dive deeper into details and bring out his voice in his essay. She also worked one on one with him to refine his short answer essays. He was accepted to UT Austin and Purdue. I have no doubt the essay helped show admissions who he was and how he would be a great fit for his major at these schools.
Emily S
a year ago
Verified Google Review
Inside, you’ll
learn:
What colleges are looking for
How to move beyond surface-level storytelling
Why strong writing alone doesn’t make a strong essay