Essay Prep with MJ
Whether you want 1-on-1 coaching from start to finish as you conceptualize, write, edit and polish your Common App Essay, or you’re just looking for some extra support as you attack a mountain of Artistic Supplement Essay prompts — we offer customizable support, for whatever you need.
MCA Essay Coach MJ Halberstadt is a Former Admissions Counselor & Adjunct Writing Professor at Northeastern University, The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Emerson College, and Merrimack College. He has helped MCA students reach their dream programs since 2017.
Here’s how it works…
The average student meets with MJ for three 55-minute sessions total during their essay process, from concept to completion, though his recommendation will vary based on the stage of your personal writing process.
In these 1-on-1 live virtual sessions, MJ will work with you to organize, develop, refine, and polish your essays, both for the Common App Essay and for any Academic & Artistic Supplement Essays you may need.
If you’re at the very beginning of your writing process and looking to learn more about what makes a great College Essay (and what topics to avoid), watch the 2 videos below before scheduling with MJ!
Video 1 — The College Essay in Context
So much attention and pressure is placed on the mythical college essay, but it doesn’t have to be frightening! In this video, MJ discusses the “life cycle” of a college essay and provides some basic recommendations for writing a solid piece that you feel great about.
Video 2 — Three College Essay Topics to Avoid
There are three particularly popular topics that are easy ones to address poorly in a college essay—and common wisdom suggests you should avoid them altogether. In this video, MJ clarifies the precise reasons why these topics are perilous, and provides examples of how you can write about them well.