Riverbend Writing
College Application Essay Coaching
Receive personalized support as you navigate college admissions and write stand-out essays
Write about what you value.
Gain confidence.
Strengthen your voice.
Be encouraged.
Meet your writing coach
Hi! My name is Dana, and I am passionate about writing, proofreading, and personal storytelling.
I graduated from Amherst College in MA in 2021 where I received training and provided writing support as a Peer Career Advisor. I coached 50+ peers as they refined resumes and cover letters for life after college. Now, I walk alongside high school seniors as they work hard to write authentic, impactful application essays.
I am committed to offering you kind, constructive feedback that honors your voice and values. Writing is hard. You are not alone on this journey!
$40 / review
Remote Essay Review
Refine drafts of your personal statement, supplemental essays, and activity section descriptions
Receive content and grammar feedback via email and the in-document comments feature (Microsoft or Google Docs)
Submit a revised draft for a secondary review to ensure your application is ready to go
$60 / hour
Face-to-Face Review and Coaching
Meet with me in a cafe or via Zoom to brainstorm your ideas, workshop drafts, and gain confidence in your application
Workshop up to 3 essays per hour-long session
Follow up with additional in-person sessions or remote reviews
Note: complete drafts are not required for a coaching session. Come with your notes, questions, and roadblocks, and we’ll build from there!
*Please reach out if either rate is a barrier to you receiving the help that you need.
What former students say.
Start today!
Common App Deadlines:
Early Decision: November 15, 2025
Early Action: December 01, 2025
Early Decision II: January 15, 2026
Regular Decision: January 15, 2026
School-Specific Deadlines (vary):
ED/EA Deadline:
November 1-15, 2025
Regular Decision Deadline:
January 1-15, 2026