ESSAY NINJA

Curriculum Designer & College Essay Advisor

INTRODUCTION

The admission process for colleges and Independent High Schools can feel overwhelming and challenging for families. After the pandemic, many parts of the admission process have changed. With most colleges going test-optional, and many students applying to schools with similar stats and extracurricular activities, it is important for students to highlight their unique character and dynamic personality in their essays, supplements and activities lists, so they stand out to admissions offices.

This is where I come in. I take the stress out of the admission journey by helping families navigate the process, and advising students on writing a distinctive, compelling personal statement (essay) that can not only propel them to successful admission, but also increase their financial aid.

Marci played a huge role in my success in school. She helped bring my personal statements to life. She helped me express myself in words in ways I couldn't. Her knowledge in English, literature, and language arts, give her the necessary tools in aiding others to develop a strong personal statement. She can help anyone condense personal statements to fit a page without leaving out the important attributes. She can help make the statement more interesting and intriguing. She helped me with my personal statements with professional schools and I received compliments on precision and organization my statements. I would not be where I am now without her help.

Dr. Jory Johnson

Brigham Young University

Why Marci Darling

Over the past twenty years, I have worked with countless students to develop a Personal Statement that stands out from the crowd, a true reflection of the student, highlighting their character and personality. I have successfully assisted students gain admission to their top choice schools, including: Harvard, Vanderbilt, Stanford, USC, NYU, and various medical schools and graduate programs.

I am passionate about advising students on college choice, helping them create a balanced list, and coaching them on application strategies and how to write exceptional supplements.

Post-pandemic, many aspects of college admissions have changed, and in the 2023 admission cycle, my students have been admitted to Princeton, MIT, Harvard, Georgia Tech, Brandeis, BU, Emerson, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, FIT, Savannah College of Art and Design, UT-Austin, Pratt, Bard, Skidmore, Berklee School of Music, University of Washington, and all the UC schools.

Additionally, I am a long-time educator with a Masters Degree in Education from Harvard, a BA in Writing from UCLA, and a Certificate in Writing from Stanford. I currently work as Adjunct Faculty at Endicott College, instructing teachers how to integrate art into teaching strategies. I have also published 5 bestselling books and written numerous articles for magazines and newspapers.

Testimonials

It is, of course, better to hear from those with whom I’ve worked with, so here are just a few of the many testimonials I’ve been honored to receive:

HOW IT WORKS

I have packages that fit most family’s budget and needs. My process is to work with clients one-on-one, remotely or in-person, to create truly exceptional application materials. Sometimes students are able to write an outstanding essay in 2 sessions, and sometimes they need more comprehensive support over 20 sessions. Parents generally know how much support their child’s needs, and can choose packages accordingly.

Purpose and Inspiration

How to Begin

First Revision

Digging deeper by finding specific examples

Second Revision

How to Spin Straw Into Gold

Third Revision

Creating Anchors by adding in sensory details

Fourth Revision

Smoothing Out the Sentences for the most effective writing

Final Version

Ready to turn it in and take on the next essay

RATES

With my personalized hands-on approach, I limit the number of students with whom I work. This allows for an individualized experience and supportive environment, where every student of any learning style and temperament can feel comfortable to be themselves and shine through their storytelling.