01 Nov NYC College Essay Tutors
Brooklyn Letters
1139 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn
-
We would highly recommend Ally! Our son always asks about her, so very thankful to Brooklyn Letters for introducing us.
~ Emily, mom of Brooklyn 2 year old -
Nicole has been an amazing therapist!! She played a tremendous role in our daughter’s speech progress and overall development. She has come such a long way and we are so happy with the therapy she received!
-
I cannot express how grateful and rewarding my experience with Brooklyn Letters has been. Her tutor Ms. Daria is so knowledgeable, amazing, kind and awesome. My daughter has made so much progress in Literacy and Math and it's all … More thanks to Ms. Daria. I know my daughter is sad that she can no longer work with Ms. Daria, as she looked forward to their sessions every week. Thank you again!
-
Excellent services, caring therapists.
-
Christina was absolutely wonderful. She went out of her way to win my son over and it worked. He looked forward to her visits and his speech improved so much under her care. She was super flexible and it’s clear she truly cares. We adore … More Christina and we’re going to miss her. Almost sad he improved so much! She’s simply amazing and we can’t say enough how great she is. I would recommend her services to anyone and everyone, without hesitation. Thank you so much for connecting us with her!
-
We could not be happier with the services Valerie provided! She is very thoughtful and knowledgeable and provided significant guidance to support our daughter's speech development outside of our scheduled sessions. She established … More a great working relationship with her, and she will definitely be missed! Your business model is amazing and it was an absolute pleasure working with Valerie. I've referred your organization and Valerie to the Executive Director of our daughter's school and friends/colleagues who are in need of speech therapy services.
-
We cannot say enough good things about Effie, the ASL teacher, who was so engaged and effective with our 2 year old daughter from the very first session! Effie gladly included our whole family in the sessions! Her expertise and fantastic … More personality gave our daughter a way to communicate that she was so desperately seeking. The coordinators at Brooklyn Letters were so helpful and communicative…I would highly recommend their services!
-
The company is great with outstanding customer service. They keep my horses protected. I have recommended them to other horses trainers as well that are going to get service early next year. Very professional an honest too. Respectfully … More submitted Christopher
-
Ron and Ken did a fantastic job with our security system today. Installed everything very quick. Both of them were very polite and asked us throughout if the installation met our needs. Simply fantastic!
-
I called Cornerstone Protection to get a Security system at a relatives out of state property, within a week it was installed! The installers worked with the client to help understand her new system and she was happy! Our relative said … More they were courteous, professional and patient! I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection for all of your security needs!
-
Had blink cameras; Car was broken into multiple times so I called CornerStone & they were able to install multiple cameras very quickly & for a reasonable price. I am so happy with the app & getting alerts that are not superfluous, … More like they were with Blink. Highly recommend CornerStone & the tech Ronnie.
-
Ron and Ken are great guys to work with.
Both were very knowledgeable and got our system back up and running.
Thanks to both for a job well done... -
Samantha Dalmas was fantastic! We saw her for a feeding therapy evaluation and while she doesn’t think my daughter needs more feeding therapy sessions at this time, but she gave me lots of tips to try. If my daughter's doctors want … More to see more progress at her next appointment, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Samantha again.
-
Amazing assistance provided by Shannon today on my security system. I’m so grateful for your prompt, efficient, professional, and courteous service. Put me down as a customer for life!
-
One of the most painless experiences I've had. They came on time and was over the moon professional with still keeping a level of personability to it. The gentleman also went out of his way to say that my husband and Mines business … More was appreciated. Which is actually rare to be appreciated by such a great company. So thank you and we look forward to continuing services with this company.
-
I am so happy we decided to go with cornerstone. They were quick and efficient. Shannon and the installer we very friendly. We got a lot of equipment and it was still within our budget. 10/10 would definitely recommend! Thank you
-
Love the customer service and Shanon and his team go above and beyond for my restaurant. Couldn't of asked for a better security system and level of service that his team provides.
-
I have been using Cornerstone Protection service for over 5 years and I'm really happy with the service and state-of-the-art equipments and it's futures are so much in advance and friendly, I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection … More Service any and all business that need a security protection days and nights specially after business hours(Cornerstone Protection is perfect solution for your business). Owner of Cornerstone Protection is proactive with their customers and their equipments. Good experienced with Cornerstone Protection!!!
Kanu Patel -
We had a very positive experience with Alissa as a tutor for our pod of 5th grade boys from January - June 2020. She cared a lot about the boys and worked hard to create meaningful activities for them. The pod experience was invaluable … More for all of our families during a difficult year and we were so grateful to have found this partnership! We also want to appreciate Craig for helping to match us with a tutor on very short notice after we had cycled through a few folks who were not able to see the commitment through. Thanks for sticking with us!
-
Dusty was the exact person we needed to help our child finish out the school year. So grateful to him for the way he steadily encouraged her and helped her stay on track and organized. He is flexible, responsive to our needs/schedule as … More a family, and a delight to be with. We are also thankful that Craig at Themba Tutors really "gets it" and partnered us with such a wonderful tutor who was a great fit for our girl.
-
My child worked with Gillian D virtually for math enrichment. She is an excellent teacher. She took time to understand my child's specific learning style and provided tools that would be engaging. She was kind and empathetic- really … More made it her goal to connect with my child and build trust and rapport. My child started the school year with confidence and without the typically "brain-drain" that occurs over the summer, thanks to Gillian.
-
I am going into my second year as a Themba tutor. I have met so many great individuals while working for this company. Craig and the rest of the Themba team do such an excellent job picking and choosing Themba tutors that suit each client's … More individual needs! I look forward to meeting new tutors and clients in the 2021-2022 school year!
-
Our son started in a new high school, 100% remote, and was really struggling with Latin and Physics. I found Themba Tudors online and had an initial call with Craig, who was very knowledgeable, responsive, and found 2 amazing tutors for … More us. Both the Latin and the physics tutors were fantastic, connected with my son really well and helped him go from 'failing' grade to 'honors'! I will for sure continue using (and recommending!) Themba Tutors. Thank you, C, K, and W!
-
Brian is a fantastic executive functioning coach. Super helpful, flexible with hours, and tailored the experience to our needs.
-
Giulia Mercuri is a great Italian tutor! She was very responsive and accessible. Giulia put a ton of effort into preparing for each session and really helped our son with test preparation and projects. We are grateful that she was able … More to help, especially since our son did not receive any live teaching during COVID. We are happy that she was referred to us!
-
As an adult student diagnosed with a learning disability during grad school, I knew I needed help dealing with my Master's program's demanding workload. I was seriously considering dropping out when I was referred to Themba Tutors. … More I was paired up with a wonderful tutor, Julie, who was a total lifesaver. I learned many techniques that I can utilize in the future as I embark on the next phase of my career.
I can wholeheartedly say after working with Themba for two years that I would not have finished my program without this organization. And I am so thankful I selected them. -
We were introduced to a wonderful tutor: Mcedwyn. He and our son, a freshman in college, worked well together. As a result, our son’s grades significantly improved. The tutor taught our son subject content and various methods to effectively … More study for quizzes and exams. Our son was also taught time management and organization. My son’s experience with the tutor made the first year of college a less intimidating experience.
-
We have been with our tutor, Cailin Schiller, for two years, from 5th - 7th grade. She started as an executive functioning tutor with my daughter. From the start, she demonstrated a depth of expertise and a selective use of techniques skillfully … More adapted to my daughter’s ADHD and Math disability. Cailin made Math accessible and understandable to her in a way that even her teachers had not been able to do. She differentiated reading, writing and math tasks and assignments to tailor them to my daughter’s unique learning differences. Not only did it have an effect on her grades and her work efficiency, but she finally could do her work with less anxiety. Even my daughter’s teachers used Cailin’s guidance to modify their work with her. But most importantly, she became my daughter’s favorite resource. I can’t say how invaluable Cailin has been to my daughter’s progress and well-being. I’d recommend her a million times over. She is a gem.
-
Victoria is a superb tutor. She helped my high school age daughter with her writing. Victoria's skills as a tutor, as well as her sense of humor and her engaging personality went a long way with my daughter.
-
Themba Tutors provided a leaning specialist that was a perfect fit for my daughter. I told them what we were looking for and they delivered. Our tutor is responsive and flexible and makes it easy for my daughter to reach out to her own … More her own, which gives her an added sense of responsibility over her learning. As a therapist myself, I now regularly recommend Themba to my patients. A much needed and well provided service to the community!!
-
The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
-
I'm so glad we were referred to Themba Tutors. After a great initial conversation to learn our needs, we were connected with an excellent tutor, Felicia, who is helping our high school daughter learn better organizational and executive … More skills. Highly recommended.
-
We had a wonderful experience with our tutor Micaela. She helped our son not only academically but at every level. We will be forever grateful to have her in our lives.
-
The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
-
Paul Smith at Themba has been an exceptional tutor for my son, both in terms of teaching the subject matter and teaching how best to approach the process of learning math and executing assignments. We feel very fortunate to be working with … More Paul.
-
We were very lucky to have found Edwouine Swift, my son's therapist through Themba Tutors. Thomas is 12 years old, and it is extremely difficult to get him to write. Edwouine just works her magic with him, he adores her and is so … More eager to follow her guidance. I have no doubt she will be a positive driving force in his academic future.
NYC College Essay Tutors
WE travel to YOUR NEW YORK CITY home | 1:1 Tutoring/Coaching, All Ages, All Learners
In New York City, students are applying from highly competitive public, private, and specialized high schools. Grades, AP coursework, Regents scores, and test results show academic ability — but they do not reveal a student’s voice, perspective, or intellectual character. The college essay — including Common App personal statements — does.
That is why working with experienced NYC college essay tutors can make a measurable difference. We provide a structured writing process that helps students clarify their thinking, organize their ideas, and communicate with precision.
Our process begins with guided brainstorming. From there, we develop a clear thesis, shape the narrative, and build a logical structure. Students learn how to refine language, strengthen transitions, and eliminate vague or generic phrasing. The result is not just a stronger personal statement, but stronger academic writing skills overall.
Whether a student writes about athletics, research, community service, cultural identity, intellectual interests, or a defining personal experience, the essay must reflect authentic voice and mature reflection. Admissions officers are looking for insight, depth, and clarity — not exaggeration or over-polishing.
- Present a clear and accurate portrait of the student.
- Demonstrate insight, growth, and intellectual maturity.
- Show alignment between the student and the college’s values.
- Be personal, structured, and purposeful.
Our role is not to write the essay for the student. Our role is to teach students how to think, structure, revise, and elevate their own writing so that it reflects who they truly are.
TESTIMONIALS
Barbara was fantastic with Lila, and we were very happy with her. Lila got accepted to her first choice, and we appreciated the help not only with her essay but also with general college questions Barbara was able to help her with.
-Teena M.
We are parents of a bright college-age son who, despite his intelligence, has struggled academically because of ADHD and executive functioning challenges. After a very difficult first three semesters at college, which deeply affected his confidence and self-esteem, our son left school and, for years, was too discouraged to return, fearful of more failure. We reached out to Themba Tutors to recommend someone who could give him the support and encouragement he needed to return to school, and he was referred to Jordan W. We could not have been happier with that referral. We had no idea whether our son would be willing to work with him, but Jordan’s warm and engaging nature won him over. With Jordan’s support, guidance, and encouragement, our son went back to college! He is still a work in progress and has many challenges ahead. Still, we are, and will always be, grateful for Jordan’s kind, caring nature, intelligence, and extraordinary patience in helping our son move forward. Thank you, Jordan, and thank you, Themba Tutors.
-Guy
Lillian is amazing and undoubtedly a large factor in the colleges Ben has accepted. She has changed his whole orientation towards his academics.
-Pam Cobrin
Alex’s services were of great help and support to me, especially when it came to keeping my feet on the ground and suggesting methods to improve my college experience further.
-Ashoka Z.
Students of all ages receive one-on-one guidance in all instructional materials, exam preparation, and executive function therapy. At Themba Tutors, we take the time to help students and clients appreciate their strengths and succeed in areas where they need to improve. We offer personalized tools for each of our clients to help them become more aware of their individual needs as they work toward short-term goals. These skills will assist our students/clients in achieving their long-term goals.
At Themba Tutors, our NYC college essay tutors understand what makes an application essay stand out in a competitive admissions environment. We support students applying to universities nationwide, as well as those preparing NYC high school application essays for specialized and selective programs.
When you work with one of our college application essay tutors, you can expect focused academic support and measurable progress toward a polished final draft.
We help students with the following:
- Topic Selection and Brainstorming – Our NYC college essay tutors help students identify meaningful experiences and develop focused, compelling essay topics.
- Reviewing and Editing Essays – We provide detailed feedback on clarity, structure, depth of detail, voice, tone, and overall presentation to elevate the strength of each draft.
- Writing Tutoring – Our NYC college application essay tutors support students in refining grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and paragraph organization to ensure their writing is precise and error-free.
- College Research – We help students frame their experiences and academic interests in ways that demonstrate alignment and fit with their selected colleges or universities.
- Final Revisions – Our tutors provide careful final editing to ensure that each essay is polished, cohesive, and submission-ready.
For families seeking a broader college admissions strategy beyond academic tutoring, we may refer them to a trusted external advisory partner. This partner specializes in:
- Customized college selection strategies
- Scholarship and financial aid planning
- Long-term academic and career mapping
Their advisory services complement our structured, in-person academic instruction across NYC. Many families choose to work with both teams to create a comprehensive and organized approach to college preparation. This partner also offers free phone consultations so families can better understand their process without obligation.
Why Work With Our NYC College Essay Tutors?
- We provide expert guidance at every stage of the essay development process.
- We help students build a structured outline before drafting.
- We carefully review and refine each draft to strengthen clarity and impact.
- We keep students focused and accountable to deadlines.
- We reinforce strong writing habits that extend beyond the college essay.
- We create a realistic timeline that allows for drafting, revision, and thoughtful improvement.
The benefits of college application essay tutoring extend beyond the admissions process. Strong writing is a foundational academic skill that supports success in college coursework, professional communication, and long-term career growth.
MEET OUR NYC COLLEGE ESSAY TUTORS WHO COULD COME TO YOUR HOME
BARBARA
Ph.D. in History, Maser’s in Music
Dr. Barbara is a cum laude graduate of Douglass College (BA in Music); Manhattan School of Music (MMus in Performance) and Columbia University (MA, MPhil, and PhD in US History). She has taught at Columbia University, Barnard College, Queens College of the City University of New York, and Empire State University, among other schools.
She served as the Associate Director of College Counseling at New York’s Horace Mann School, where she also served as a Dean and Head of the Upper School. She has extensive experience, both privately and in a school setting, helping students to craft effective college essays. She works both in person and remotely.
Dr. Barbara served as the Director of Admissions and /financial aid at Columbia University’s School of /General Studies for six years, after which she was the Associate Director of College Counseling at the Horace Mann School for four years. In addition, she has worked privately with students and families, helping them to find a good match in the college admissions process. Her focus is on helping students to learn about themselves and their educational goals so they can make positive and appropriate college application choices.
Her students have been accepted to Ivy League schools, Franklin and Marshall College, Union College, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Michigan, the University of Wisconsin, the New England Conservatory, Boston College, Swarthmore College, and Shenandoah University.
In 1986, Dr. Barbara published An American Music: The Search for an American Musical Identity (Oxford University Press). Rutgers University Press published Sights on the Sixties in 1992. In 2015, she published Muhammad Ali: A Man of Many Voices (Routledge). She served as the Head of the Speyer Legacy School from 2015–2019.
In 2024, she published Don’t Call Us Girls: Women’s Protest, Activism, and Actions in the Viet Nam War (Pen and Sword Books, UK) and is now working on a new volume about women’s continuing struggles for equality called Speaking Out of Turn. Currently a resident of Falls Church, Virginia, Dr. Barbara teaches African American and European History at Empire State University and is a reader for AP exams in African American Studies.
STEPHEN S.
BA in English and History, MA in Teaching, MA in Liberal Studies
Stephen is a veteran New York City educator and college advisor with over 30 years of experience guiding students through the college admissions process. As a long-time high school teacher and advisor at the Brooklyn School for Collaborative Studies, college counseling has been a core part of his work with every student he supports.
He has extensive experience supporting applications across a wide range of institutions, including the City University of New York (CUNY) system—such as Baruch College, Hunter College, Brooklyn College, Queens College, City College, and other campuses—as well as the State University of New York (SUNY) system, including Binghamton University, SUNY New Paltz, Stony Brook University, University at Buffalo, SUNY Albany, SUNY Purchase, and other SUNY campuses across the state.
His work also includes guiding students applying to a broad range of selective and specialized institutions such as University of Vermont, Syracuse University, Ithaca College, Emerson College, University of Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Bard College, Hofstra University, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, and Williams College, as well as women’s colleges within the Seven Sisters.
He specializes in helping students develop authentic, compelling college essays—especially those who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to write. Stephen has a strong ability to draw out meaningful ideas and shape them into personal statements and supplemental essays that feel natural, polished, and admissions-ready.
Beyond essay writing, he helps students build a clear application strategy, identify right-fit colleges, and stay organized across platforms like the Common App and Naviance. He also supports students applying to arts and film programs, including portfolio-based applications.
Stephen’s approach is structured, supportive, and highly personalized—helping students move from uncertainty to clarity and present themselves with confidence.
**Guarantee: It’s critical that whoever receives our tutoring services connects with the specialist, the specialist has expertise in the area of need, and is available to travel to you. If you are not 100% satisfied with our services, we are 100% committed to finding you the right professional.
Not ready to fill out the form yet? We’re here to make this easy.
📞 (917) 382-8641 | 📲 (917) 382-8641 | ✉ [email protected]
Every coach offers a free 15-minute remote meet-and-greet, so you can get to know them and see if it feels like the right fit. We’re very responsive and easy to communicate with throughout the process. From there, we’ll thoughtfully match you with one or more of our coaches.
Craig Selinger
Latest posts by Craig Selinger (see all)
- The Hidden Link Between Executive Function and Teen Eating Habits - March 16, 2026
- Best 10 Math Programs for Homeschoolers - March 12, 2026
- Accountability Loops for College Students - February 16, 2026
No Comments