KAREN: Why I Do This: I’ve been the “go-to” person for guidance with college application essays for family, friends, and friends of friends for years! When the college acceptances began to multiply, I decided to offer my services to others. As a writer and college writing professor, I’ve spent most of my professional life helping students find their authentic voice and use that voice to express who they are and what they believe, and the college application essay is an opportunity to do just that – express how you think and feel in an engaging and coherent piece of writing! I’d love to help you (or your college-bound child!) write an essay you’ll feel proud to share!
Karen Offitzer received her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona, and an MA in Public Administration from NYU. She is the Founder and former Program Director of the MFA in Creative Writing at National University, where she also served as director of Writing Across the Curriculum. Her short fiction and essays have been published in several literary journals and magazines, she has authored two books, and she has received grants and awards for her writing and short documentary work. She has held teaching positions at Loyola Marymount University and Antioch University, served as Assistant Professor at The Institute for Writing Studies at St. John’s University in Queens, NY, and is currently the Undergraduate Director of the Filmmaking and TV Writing programs at Stony Brook University. She currently lives in New York City and has successfully shepherded her two children through the competitive college application process.
RACHELLE: Why I Do This: I’ve been working with college students, from first-year students to seniors, for over twenty years in my capacity as an Academic Advisor, Academic Dean, and professor. Throughout my career in higher education the one common denominator has been my passion for supporting students’ academic success. I’ve edited countless personal statement essays for competitive fellowships and graduate school applications and I’ve served as a graduate thesis advisor, ensuring that my students’ research projects reflect their intellectual passions and strengths. Outside of work I have also edited numerous college admissions essays for friends and family and have always enjoyed the process. I am eager to apply my extensive experience with competitive admissions essays towards helping high school students craft a college admissions essay that reflects their unique voice and potential as a college student.
In my role as an Academic Adviser and Academic Coach I’ve helped hundreds of students get organized with their work and develop a sound time management system that enables their academic success and personal growth. I view time management as an essential life skill that teaches students how to be accountable to themselves and shows them that they are the key to their own success. I am excited about the prospect of working with your student on time management.
Rachelle Rumph received her MA in Womens History from Sarah Lawrence College and her PH.D. in Media, Culture, and Communications from New York University. She has held undergraduate and graduate teaching positions at NYU and Sarah Lawrence, where she has also served as an academic dean. In addition to teaching, the majority of Rachelle’s career in higher education has centered around academic advisement and student success. She currently lives in Westchester county with her own high schooler and soon-to-be high school student!