Dr. Donna provides personalized coaching for every stage of the application process, including the Common Application personal statement, supplemental essays, letters of continued interest (LOCIs), the Common App activities section, and essays providing additional information such as explanations for special circumstances or uneven academic records. She also assists with scholarship applications, transfer essays, and graduate or professional school essays, helping you present your story with clarity, authenticity, and impact.
A coaching session may include brainstorming to help the student see how they look to institutions and decide which aspects of themselves to highlight, identifying not only how wonderful they are but also which qualities colleges will value most. From there, we develop these themes into central messaging, give them structure through revision, refine the essay’s organization, and provide detailed edits.
Best for students applying to a limited number of comparable schools. Includes 8 sessions for the cost of 7: 4 for the Common App and 4 for supplements, or 2 supplements plus activities section of the Common App/scholarship applications. $2,800 value for $2,450
Ideal for “cover-your-bases” applicants applying to a wider range of schools. Includes 12 sessions for the cost of 10: 4 for the Common App and 8 for supplements and/or the activities section of the Common App/scholarship applications. $4,200 value for $3,500.
Perfect for applicants applying to many schools or with special circumstances. Includes 15 sessions for the cost of 13: 4 for the Common App and 11 for supplements and/or the activities section of the Common App/scholarship applications. $5,250 value for $4,200.
Dr. Kirschner is a cultural anthropologist and UPENN-trained writing coach who founded YourAdmissionEssay in 2004 to help students succeed in the highly competitive college admissions essay process. Based in Philadelphia, she also works with students worldwide through online essay coaching. For more than 20 years, she has guided students in writing standout college application essays, personal statements, and supplemental essays that resonate with admissions committees.
Unlike most English teachers or counselors, Dr. Kirschner applies her background in anthropology to help students reflect deeply on their identity, experiences, and goals. She teaches students how to investigate and understand their choice schools and then create essays that build a powerful bridge between themselves and each college. Her unique approach makes her one of the most sought-after college essay coaches in Philadelphia and beyond.
Admissions counselors oversee many students and focus on the full application process. Dr. Kirschner provides specialized coaching on one of the most important—and stressful—parts of admissions: the essays. Her personalized approach ensures that every student produces a compelling, authentic personal statement and supplemental essays that demonstrate fit and stand out to admissions officers. She works with local Philadelphia-area students as well as families remotely, around the world via Zoom and online essay coaching.
While teachers and counselors can provide general feedback, students often feel constrained working with people they already know. Dr. Kirschner’s supportive, focused role as a professional essay coach allows students to open up freely, explore their ideas, and write with authenticity and confidence—qualities admissions committees look for in strong applications.
Even confident writers often feel overwhelmed by the pressure of writing a personal statement or supplemental essays for college. Admissions committees can feel like an intimidating audience. Dr. Kirschner’s college essay coaching, available both in-person in Philadelphia and online nationwide, helps students reduce stress, build confidence, and find their authentic voice so their essays shine.
Perfectionist and procrastinating students often struggle to begin or complete their essays. Dr. Kirschner has a proven, structured method that transforms stress into curiosity and confidence. She helps students overcome writer’s block, manage anxiety, and move steadily through the essay process.
Colleges want resilient students who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to campus. Dr. Kirschner helps students reflect on personal challenges—such as health struggles, family transitions, or academic setbacks—in a way that highlights growth and resilience rather than letting those challenges define them. This approach creates authentic, powerful essays that admissions committees value.
Dr. Kirschner’s essay coaching goes beyond admissions. Students gain lifelong skills in self-reflection, storytelling, and effective communication. Many families in Philadelphia, across the U.S, and around the world share that the process increases their child’s self-awareness, confidence, and clarity—all of which serve them well in college and beyond.
Yes. Over 85% of Dr. Kirschner’s students are admitted to one of their top-choice schools. Families also report that the coaching process lowers stress, improves the parent-student relationship, and gives students a calm, clear pathway through one of the most stressful parts of the admissions process. Dr. Kirschner works with students in Philadelphia and around the world through online essay coaching.
Parents consistently praise Dr. Kirschner’s ability to listen, organize the process, and build trust with their child. They value how she helps students uncover authentic stories, manage stress, and produce polished essays without pressure from parents. Families in the Philadelphia region and beyond appreciate her compassionate, effective guidance.
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"92% admitted to first-choice schools!"
Share your details so I can personalize your free discovery call and start unlocking your story.
"*" indicates required fields
We respect your privacy. Your information will never be shared.
"92% admitted to first-choice schools!"