Essay Coaching supports college applicants and their families by simplifying the essay writing process into manageable steps.
We begin with creative writing techniques that help students express themselves confidently, in their own words. Over a series of sessions, we review drafts together, sharing editing strategies that can help students clarify their writing and stand out to admissions officers.
- We use non-judgmental writing techniques
- We offer kind, constructive feedback
- We build on teachers’ and counselors’ hard work
- We welcome parents and families to participate
Our Impact
Since 2005, Essay Coaching has supported more than 800 students in one-on-one meetings and led close to 2,000 classes and workshops. Learn more about our packages.
We are proud of our record of success. At least 150 of our students have enrolled in the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Many others have attended colleges and universities across the nation, including Boston College, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, the University of Chicago, the University of Southern California, and Wellesley College.
Our Team
Sarah J. Robbins, Director
Sarah J. Robbins is a New York Times-bestselling collaborator with more than 20 years of experience as a writer, editor, and coach. She adapted Malala Yousafzai’s memoir for middle-grade audiences, Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls’ Rights, and has collaborated on memoirs published by Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Hachette, among others.
Sarah’s began her career as a reporter and editor for magazines including Consumer Reports, Glamour, and Newsweek, and she has also served as managing director of Girls Write Now and professor with the Bard Prison Initiative.
Sarah has a dual Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and Bachelor of Arts degree in creative writing from Northwestern’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. Her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in creative writing is from The New School in New York City.
Debbie Merion, Founder
With her upbeat passion for anything colorful or humorous, award-winning author and writing coach Debbie Merion has helped thousands of students, authors, business professionals, and educators learn the secrets for telling their story in a unique and compelling way.
Debbie is a college English instructor, an author of over 100 publications, and a mother of two successful daughters who are using their college degrees. In 2011 she authored the second edition of Solving the College Admissions Puzzle: A Guide for Students and Families About College Selection, Essay Writing and High-Stakes Testing with co-authors John Boshoven and Geri Markel. This book is a Gold Medal Winner of the 2014 Global Ebook Awards.
Debbie holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in creative writing from the Solstice Creative Writing Program of Pine Manor College.