Writing the college essay is more than just a step in the application process—it’s a rite of passage. At its best, the personal essay clarifies who you are at an important turning point, and helps you express not only where you’ve been, but where you’re headed. I approach this work as a writing coach and creative guide, drawing on decades of experience teaching creative writing and mentoring students through the college admissions process.
As a former director of the NYU Creative Writing Program and college counselor at Riverdale, and later as a dean at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, I’ve helped hundreds of students gain admission to top colleges—and in many cases, win significant scholarships that recognized the depth and originality of their work. But more importantly, I’ve seen how a thoughtfully written essay can become a powerful tool for self-discovery. When done well, this investment of time can strengthen your writing voice and empower you to take the next steps toward the specific future you envision.
PRICING: Individual sessions: $150/hour. To inquire about scheduling, please use the contact form.
“Charity Hume has the skills, expertise, compassion and patience to guide students through the writing process and to help clients develop their own voice. Call her what you want; a writing teacher, tutor or coach, Charity’s clients learn to produce all types of writing that will be valued for a lifetime.”
Lori K. Dver, MA, BCET
President, Association of Educational Therapists
“The ingenious and sometimes unorthodox tools in The Wisdom in The Room will allow the reader to acknowledge, unpack, and surpass barriers that prohibit them from achieving their full potential as teachers, students, writers and lifelong learners. After using Hume’s exercises, I was left with several bodies of work— clear, honest, and heartfelt— that I feel contributed to my being named both a Ron Brown and a Gates Millennium Scholar.”
Aubrey Walker, Harvard College ‘2015
Ron Brown and Gates Millennium Scholar
“Throughout the college process, Charity Hume was an incredible mentor. She guided and illuminated thoughtfully while leaving all choice up to me. Looking back, I can see my growth as a writer– I ended up with essays that I am still proud of. Charity helped me achieve success in the college process, and she has my highest recommendation.”
Eliana Shapere, Barnard College ‘2023
Barbara Silver Horowitz Scholar of Distinction
Individual Writing Sessions
With creative exercises and personal coaching, you can unlock the wellspring of unique ideas, stories, and memories that give your writing memorable originality. Writing with a coach ups your ability to confidently express your ideas, let go of fear, and become an artist inspired to create a unique vision of the world only you can illuminate.
Writing Coaching is an investment in your own future. In individual meetings to suit every age and learning style, you will find encouragement, and be introduced to techniques that will help you mine the rich potential of your own imagination.
Supplemental Essays
Many colleges and graduate schools want to see specific research that explains your fit for a major, a campus, or a future course of study. Knowing how to direct your essay to the specific audience of your chosen schools can make an enormous difference when you have the confidence of research behind you to make your case.
Supplemental essays vary in length by school, so it’s a good idea to map out your writing plan with a coach, and see where you can tailor these smaller essays to each campus, using core writing that comes from the heart.