From Parents

“For anyone considering hiring a college essay coach or college consultant, I highly recommend Liz Waltzman of Write Ahead College.

Liz is fantastic at what she does! Having had five kids go through the college application process, I can say without a doubt that Liz is the best writing coach out there. She works hard to help each student showcase their voice and experience, to know what each school values, and to blend those in the supplementals. One college even cited this clarity of expression in their acceptance letter, commenting specifically on the “inspiring voice and presence conveyed” in my daughter’s application and that the admission committee members “were awed” by her personal essay.

Liz brainstorms with the student to develop original and creative topics that help them tap into and convey their unique outlook and voice. She asks the right questions and the results are often unexpected and distinctive. She develops a working schedule that is reasonable and manages to help the student stick to it. All of my student’s essays were completed well before deadline, while playing and captaining a fall sport. Liz is extremely flexible on meeting times and days, which my busy student greatly appreciated and valued. She is impressively prompt in her response to emails and questions, which we as parents valued. She provides a great buffer between student and parent. She is receptive to parent feedback and happy to incorporate that into her student sessions so that there is no tension at home; she really makes the process as stress-free as it is ever going to be.

I’m excited that Liz is moving into all the areas of college counseling. Although we hired her specifically for writing guidance, she was really helpful in her suggestions of other schools our student might consider and whether she saw a fit at the ones on her list. Liz has her finger on the pulse of universities’ mission statements and values, and this is invaluable both for the writing piece and the fit piece.” ~Weston Mom, 2024

“I want to thank you again for your help with her essays. She would come home from each session with you with an evident sense of progress and comfort with regard to how they were shaping up. I so appreciate your patience and expertise throughout the process.
~New Canaan Mom, Daughter attending Colorado College, Class of 2024

"In a world where you need a college application that helps your student highlight their individuality, Write Ahead is a phenomenal resource. Liz “got” my son immediately and helped him brainstorm and write the most personal and polished essays, helping him to truly retain his own voice. Liz kept my son right on target throughout the application process with frequent meetings and follow through. His school guidance counselor told me that my son’s ED school essay was one of the best she had ever read for that university. While I am sure his acceptance was based upon many factors, I know his essays played an important part.”
~Scarsdale Mom, Son attending Cornell—College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2024

“We hired Liz Waltzman and Write Ahead College the summer before my son’s senior year in high school.  He applied to about a dozen schools and all of them required at least one essay, many required multiple essays.  Liz did a phenomenal job at working with my son and keeping him on track to hit all of his deadlines. She was extremely flexible with her time, always willing to work around my son’s busy schedule and making herself available when needed.  She provided great insight and suggestions for his essays and her editing improved the finished product.”
~Scarsdale Mom, Son attending University of Southern California, Class of 2023

“We are thrilled with the outcome of the process, with my son having been admitted to many great schools.  The most significant thing I can say is that my son felt that having Liz at his side was invaluable. He credits Liz with making the process easier to navigate and believes that she played an instrumental part in achieving the results he did.”
~Scarsdale Mom - Son accepted to: University of Michigan Honors & Music, Emory, WashU, University of Richmond

“Liz provided validation, support and a level of comfort and confidence that truly resonated with my daughter. Her practical, professional approach and thoughtful guidance made Liz a trusted advisor in a very short period. She entered our lives at just the right time."
~New Canaan Mom

"Liz brought experience, expertise, and calm to the hectic college admissions process. A skilled, collaborative writing coach, she supported my son though the essay writing process, demonstrating her keen understanding of the unique personal statement genre. She also helped him confidently navigate the ins and outs of the Common App. Liz was super responsive and an invaluable resource. Thanks again, Liz!"
~Son accepted to Dartmouth College, Class of 2022

"Thank you for working with [my daughter] on her essay. Your discussions and guidance early on in the process were a great way to get her thinking and engaged. You were an active listener and helped nudge her in the right way, at the right time."
~Larchmont Mom

"Liz had just what it took to keep our daughter motivated and on schedule during the difficult college admissions process. She encouraged her to write her essays from her heart and made sure her true voice stood out. My daughter received wonderful feedback on her essays from the admission officers at her top school of choice. I highly recommend Liz so much that she is working with my younger son to mold him into a confident writer."
~Daughter accepted to University of Michigan 

"Liz knew exactly what to do to improve my son's college essay and supplements. She was able to give him direction that enhanced his work a great deal. Her suggestions and edits were spot on and she was incredibly fast in getting back to us. We were thrilled with the results."
~Son accepted Early Decision to Franklin & Marshall

"THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! You were a HUGE HELP! We are so grateful! I am recommending you to anyone who asks for essay help!"
~Daughter accepted to Tulane

"Liz helped my twins write powerful essays in their own unique voice. She is amazingly talented and a pleasure to work with!"
~NYC Mom

"Liz worked with both of my children and helped them significantly. She was able to refine and polish their essays while still allowing for their own voices and ideas to be heard. Liz was an invaluable part of the college application process and I would highly recommend her."
~Weston, CT Mom

“Liz was instrumental in aiding our daughter and son to nail down their Common App essays.  Liz is great with helping to keep the essay within the required word count and tightening up the vocabulary and punctuation while retaining the intended tone, voice, and message that the student is trying to convey. She is also a pro with assisting applicants on writing the supplemental essays required by many colleges.  She provides great advice to students by helping them hone in on the specifics of what interests them about each school. We highly recommend Liz!”
~Carrie Shea, Weston, CT

"Moms, my son worked with Liz, last year, with fantastic results. If your child needs any essay support, I highly recommend Liz!"
~Weston Mom

"Liz worked with my son and his high-quality essays resulted in scholarships! Great experience all the way around."
~Weston Mom

"If you are looking for someone to help your college-bound student with essays, Liz is the lady!"
~Weston Mom

"I have known Liz for about 20 years. She is an incredible educator and has dedicated her career to providing children with the tools to achieve their dreams. If you use her service, your college essay is in the best hands possible! Thank you Liz for making your talents available to others in so many ways!!!!"
~Chicago Teacher & Librarian