College Essay Tutoring with Leah
Leah is a New York-based writer, educator, and tutor helping students write boundary-pushing essays.
Since I can remember, I’ve been a writer. From “writing” pop songs with my play keyboard to crafting poems in a leather-bound notebook my mother bought me on the first day of high school, I’ve felt an unshakable connection to text in all forms. As a college essay tutor, I try to meet my students where they are, understanding that writer—whether an identity that is inherent or created—is an identity which, in all circumstances, needs nourishing.
After 10 years in professional journalism, I pivoted to education, where I began teaching high school English and AP Language and Composition. For the past five years, I've worked with New York City high schoolers to help craft thoughtful, original, technically-pristine, and Ivy League-worthy college essays. My method is one born from my years teaching students with a wide range of writing skills and needs as well as my own professional experiences.
As a writer and editor, I worked both full time and freelance reporting and editing for both print and digital publications, including Slate, Catapult, Literary Hub, Publisher’s Weekly, Electric Literature, The Rumpus, MEL Magazine, Eater, VinePair, InsideHook, Hyperallergic, LA Weekly, Bustle, The Nation, Cultured and more. In 2021, my essay on the links between biodynamic farming and fascism was featured in Best American Food Writing.
A career changer with a diversity of professional experiences, I am well suited to dive into the psyche of a student's desired essay outcomes. Through voice-to-text, timed exercises, free, writing, and whiteout text-based exercises, I work to eliminate the exterior stressors and anxieties that too-often color the college application process and allow my students to embark on a process that is entirely personal and without distraction.
My students have been accepted to a broad host of colleges and universities, ranging from top SUNY and CUNY schools, including Macaulay Honors College; Little Ivies like Middlebury College and Amherst College; top universities including NYU (full scholarship), Stanford University, and USC (full scholarship); top music conservatories including the Juilliard School and New England Conservatory; and Ivy League universities including Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia.
Testimonials
Toni Hubbs, parent
Leah has uncovered and nurtured a joy in writing, storytelling, and articulation of ideas that has been incredible for me to witness. Her support means so much to (redacted). It is particularly exciting for me to watch because when my son was younger, he demonstrated stronger aptitude in STEM subjects
Anonymous, student
Ms. Leah’s class was one of the most education, eye-opening classes I have ever had, and I continue to use the readings, writing, and ways of thinking I developed from it. I attribute so much of my acceptace to Carnegie Mellon University to her guidance and I am so proud of everything I created in her class.
Leah’s student’s have been accepted to…
Amherst College | Berklee College of Music | Boston University | Brown University | Carnegie Mellon University | Columbia University | Cornell University | Georgetown University | Harvard University | Johns Hopkins University | The Juilliard School | McGill University | New English Conservatory of Music | New York University | Oberlin College | Princeton University | Skidmore College | Stanford University | University of Southern California (Presidential Scholarship)
Leah is available for college essay tutoring both in-person in NYC and on Zoom from late June to early September. Please fill out the contact form to book a consulation.
Please fill out the contact form below. Priority is given to students applying early decision.