Teaching students how to transform life experiences into extraordinary college essays!
Teaching students how to transform life experiences into extraordinary college essays!
About The Write Start
The Write Start was created to increase access to higher education by improving students’ ability to write strong college application essays — no matter your budget.
We offer easy-to-use tools, tips from professional writers, and expert support to make the college essay process feel manageable and help you write with confidence. Whether you're at square one, polishing your final draft, or stuck somewhere in between, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
The Write Start Advantage
Free + Affordable Digital tools
-
“Getting Personal,” our new interactive workbook, offers step-by-step instruction on how to ace the Common App essay.
-
Several downloadable PDFs designed to demystify the college application process.
Quick Results
-
Our “College Essay in a Day” workshops help you go from stuck to finished fast.
Expert Feedback
-
Experienced writing tutors who've helped hundreds of students succeed are on-call with our Essay Rx service, which will improve your writing and help you find your voice.
Application Support
-
Get personalized, live support from essay coaches in a weekly virtual meet-up.
Let Us Help You Write Your Way into College!
Whether you’ve just started your college essay or simply need help polishing and perfecting it, The Write Start can help you succeed.
Here are some ways to work with us:
Digital Toolbox
Free and budget-friendly products and resources to support your writing.
-
Getting Personal guide
-
Free digital downloads and links
How It Works
Get started in three easy steps.
01
02
03
Choose Your Tools
Check out our digital products and signature services, and then choose the ones that are right for you.
Start Writing
Use our guides to plan your essay and stay on track.
Get Feedback
Ready for a review? Use Essay Rx or join a workshop to get expert support.
Meet Michele
I have worked as a professional writer, author, and editor for three decades. I have taught writing at the college level and have degrees from Boston College and The Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. I have also published two non-fiction books and many articles and essays, and raised two children who are recent college graduates.
In 2014, I founded A Bloc of Writers, a business that provides one-on-one college essay tutoring. I have critiqued thousands of essays, helped hundreds of students get into colleges across the country, and have my finger on the pulse of trends in college admissions as an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).
In recent years, I began to look for ways my skills, knowledge, and experience could help more high school students, regardless of their income, write strong, authentic college essays, and in turn, improve their chances of acceptance into college.
The Write Start is truly the culmination of my 30-year career, and my hope is that it will fill a need for affordable essay guidance to underserved, economically disadvantaged students applying to college.
Mission Statement
The Write Start’s mission is to increase access to higher education by improving students’ ability to write compelling college application essays.
We provide high-caliber, easily accessible college essay guidance at a minimal cost or free to students, and educate them about the college application process, thus increasing their odds of admission.
Our goals include simplifying and demystifying college admissions — which has become more complicated and competitive than ever — and helping low-income and middle-class students develop and hone skills that will serve them well in college and beyond.
The Write Start dovetails with the need for appealing digital products designed to educate, inspire, and build confidence in teenagers so they can pursue their educational goals.
Hear from Our Students
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Mary
Parent
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum."
Alexandra
Student
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum."
Frank
Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Write Start?
A resource hub built to help high school students write strong, clear, and personal college essays. We offer tools, support, and expert feedback.
Who is this for?
High school students working on college applications, whether you’re just starting or finishing your final draft.
How is this different from other essay services?
We keep it real. No templates, no generic edits, and no AI. Just honest, expert guidance that helps you sound like yourself.
What does it cost?
We offer a mix of free resources and budget-friendly options so anyone can get the help they need.
Can I get feedback on my essay?
Yes. Use Essay Rx for expert one-on-one feedback, join a “College Essay in a Day” session for live support, or join our weekly Writer's Room.
