loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
★ College Essay Coach ★ Professional Writer ★ Stand Out to Admissions (203-814-6588)
offered in person
offered virtually
QR Code Link to This Post
Michael Lodato
College Essay Coach
💡 Text: 203-814-6588
🌐 mikelodato.com/essay
Testimonials
"His upbeat personality takes the pressure off the student and stress off the parent!" — Mary Ann, Park Slope"Mike was incredibly helpful with my son’s college applications, offering valuable support throughout the writing process—I would highly recommend him." — Irina, UWS
"From brainstorming to polishing, Mike's help was indispensable" - TJ, Tulane '25
My Background
As a first-generation college student, I am intimately familiar with the challenges high school juniors and seniors face. For over 10 years, I have guided students through the college application process and helped students compete for admission into highly selective programs. I take a patient, supportive approach that adds structure to their junior and senior year. My college admissions advice has been featured on Crash Course, produced by John and Hank Green. I graduated with a B.A. in philosophy with a minor in physics from Holy Cross and earned an M.A. in philosophy with a minor in gender studies from Indiana University Bloomington.My Services
- College List Building: Get help creating a list of reach, target, and safe schools that suit your student's strengths, goals, and personality
- Strategic Planning: Develop a plan to stand out, mitigate weaknesses, and appeal to admissions officers at specific schools
- Accountability Check-ins: Ensure your student stays on track and get coaching on time management and key tasks for junior and senior year
- Practical Mentorship: Get ideas for students who need to develop their extracurricular activities and attain leadership positions
- Resume Drafting: Begin building a professional list of commitments, accomplishments, skills, and milestones
- Standardized Test Tutoring: Create a strategy for taking (or not taking) the SAT, ACT, or other exams—get insights on test-optional schools
- Letters of Recommendation: Secure compelling references and provide recommenders with the tools they need to highlight your student's strengths
- College Essay Coaching: Expert guidance through a multi-step process of writing personal statements and supplemental responses that read as unique and original to college admissions officers
- College Admissions Interview: Thorough preparation, plus mock interviews to build your student's confidence
- Other Applications: Help with scholarship applications, personal statements for internships, graduate school, and more
📅 Book a free 20-minute phone consultation: calendly.com/michaellodato/tutor
Sample Essay Titles
These are some successful college essays my coaching students have written!- How I Survived a Crisis of Faith at Sunday School (Tulane ’25)
- What My Meme Page Taught Me About the Popular Kids (Georgetown ’27)
- The Pistachio Disaster: The Inside Scoop on My Ascent to Manager of the Ice Cream Shop (University of Michigan ’28)