"Pete was extremely helpful and inspiring for my college essay process. He had countless great ideas and helped me to reach my writing goals. I feel completely confident in the work I am submitting to colleges. I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting to further their writing skills in creative, constructive ways."

— Ingrid, Student

“My experience working with Pete’s workshop was wonderful. The environment was friendly, and I felt comfortable discussing my writing with everyone. I learned a lot about what colleges are looking for within each essay question and how to write accordingly. I feel much more confident with my college essay writing skills and my application process in general.”

— Macy, Student

“The process helped me to better understand the prompts being given and which ideas would fit best. Additionally, it supported me in creating a specific space I could work on my essay in; without the distractions of outside life. The program does a great job at propelling uncertain writers and helping to parse out what is actually happening in a writer's mind..”

— Ash, Student

“This workshop helped me so much because of the fact that I could compile so many ideas and actually make them work. The brainstorming phase was very helpful because now not only do I have a common app essay, but I also have so many ideas for my supplemental essays. I was so productive every single one of these sessions thanks to Pete’s feedback and guidance. It really helped when he would give me some direction on where to take my essay next so that I wasn’t sounding redundant. Pete really made this possible for me and it means a lot.” 

— Greta H., student

“I can't begin to explain how much Peter's workshop has helped me! As someone who is already a fairly good writer, he helped me organize my thoughts and ideas into two great college essays in which I have great confidence. His insights into what the college admissions were looking for was helpful, and I am especially thankful for the help on revising my essays until they were truly polished. I learned so much and had a fantastic time working with Peter!”

— Ivy P., student

“Pete pushed me to produce work that I was deeply proud of. He was honest when he needed to be, but always respected the work as my own. In a process where my thoughts could have been lost in the jumble of prompts and forms, Pete was there to support clear, coherent, and powerful articulation that colleges love to see." 

— Kai W., student

“Pete is AWESOME!! He knows how to really develop an incredible essay. Even if you have no idea what you want to write about, he'll help you figure it out. Loved this class and Pete. The only thing you have to worry about is his corny jokes.“

— Ava B., student

“Peter’s support throughout the class made me feel like the topics I was writing about were valuable life experiences that the admissions would care about hearing. I could tell that he cared about the substance of my essay on a personal level and was invested in helping me express my thoughts in the best way possible. Plus, his jokes weren't always so bad. Thanks a bunch.”

— Adam O., student

“I can't begin to express how helpful our daughter found Pete's college essay writing course. Pete's class certainly helped with the writing essentials, such as essay structure and grammar, which have always been a bit of a struggle with her learning difficulties. But through the writing prompts, the workshopping of ideas, and the supportive environment Pete fostered amongst her peers, her writing absolutely blossomed! Her confidence in her ability to express herself through writing grew exponentially. She walked away a more skilled, confident writer with three incredible college essays under her belt, which certainly helped garner her an acceptance at her top choice school. But much more than the college essays alone, Pete has inspired our daughter. Not a week has passed since that she's not engaged in some sort of creative writing. Because he instilled in her the confidence that she is a good writer, she no longer gives up in frustrations and instead perseveres through rewrites to produce a polished product.”

— Becky W., parent

“As our son struggled to complete his college essay, a friend recommended Peter. Our son was hesitant about working with a tutor, but Peter highlighted his strengths and worked with him on his weaknesses. Three sessions with Peter resulted in not only a beautifully written essay, but also a son who is now confident in his writing skills. For this we are truly grateful.”

— Frank and Gina R., parents

“Peter, I want to thank you for your invaluable help with our daughter’s essays and college application process. Peter provided critical assistance such as brainstorming ideas to revising for clarity, and he rendered services that allowed our daughter to prepare her strongest possible college application submissions. While Peter provided guidance, our daughter’s voice shone through her essay, and we could not be more thankful. I found Peter to be accessible and communicative. He got to know our daughter on a personal level and tailored his assistance to our daughter's specific needs. Our family offers our highest level of recommendation for Peter.”

— Maureen F., parent

“Peter has been paramount in supporting our son through his college essay process. His previous experiences with college admissions gives him the edge in knowing what colleges are looking for and helping the kids to meet the mark. He encourages their own writing style and their voice, along with highly professional structure and editing. Reasonable and appropriate pricing, well worth the investment.”

— Sarah S., parent

“I've worked with Pete on a variety of subjects, including handwriting, creative writing, and now college essays. He has always pushed me to think critically and question everything, no matter what the topic of focus was. Pete is able to see not just the talent, but the potential of each of his students, and challenges us to the fullest. However, he is simultaneously overflowing with kindness, compassion and humanity, resulting in a truly incredible learning experience.”

— Mia G., student

"Pete was an exceptional mentor and immensely helped me write my essay for the Common Application. He not only brought his thoughtful and wise words to our sessions, but also much humor and humanity. He invests his time in each student, ensuring everyone is proud of their essay at the end.”

— Michelle M., student

“Our son started working with Pete the summer before high school and has continued throughout his high school career. Pete has been more than just a writing expert; he has been a mentor, life coach, executive skills tutor, and a sounding board for a teenage boy's emerging ideas about the world. Ryan's trust in Pete is implicit, and I think that set them up for the culmination of their working relationship: college essays.”

— Stephanie G., parent, University of Virginia

“Peter is an amazing teacher and mentor to all of us. Within two weeks we all started from scratch on our college essays and had a full first draft by the end of the two week session. He never fails to make everyone’s day better, and he makes sure that the class is a safe place to share everyone’s thoughts and ideas about anything.”

— Bella B., student, College of Charleston

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Pete for over six years now and can truly say he is a masterful, kind, and attuned teacher. I credit Pete for making the art of writing fun and alive for my three kids.  He focuses on the creativity, excitement, and joy of written expression and is not a slave to conventions and form. It was a joy to observe how my children transformed from wary, reluctant writers to confident and joyful creators!”

— Sarah A., parent

“Peter has the unique ability to inspire and motivate the reluctant writer. He teaches that writing can be personal and an extension of one’s own self. His approach to writing can bring about a beautiful sense of cleverness and creativity in a child that struggles with written expression.”

— Karen B., parent

"Pete helped me piece together my essay by using a unique process I had never been shown before, which changed my view on writing. After working with Pete, I feel more confident in my ability and skills as a writer. I am very thankful."

— Julia H., student