Elana Aptowitzer
Apt Word Communications
University Essay & Application Coaching
Strong applications don’t just answer the questions. They tell admissions committees who you are.
Applying to competitive university programs can require much more than strong grades. Business schools, medical programs and other selective programs increasingly ask students to demonstrate leadership, initiative, resilience, collaboration, community involvement and other qualities through supplemental applications, essays, interviews and live assessments.
I help students figure out what they want admissions committees to understand about them — and how to communicate it authentically and effectively.
Finding your story
Most students have more to say than they realize.
A part-time job, student club, volunteer position, sports team, summer program or school project may contain compelling examples of leadership, problem-solving, perseverance or personal growth. The challenge is recognizing those stories and understanding what they reveal.
Through one-on-one coaching, I work with students to examine their experiences in depth: what they actually did, the challenges they encountered, the decisions they made, the impact they had and what they learned. From there, we identify the qualities, experiences and interests that distinguish them and develop a clear personal narrative — or “brand” — that can guide the entire application process.
Our Services
1
Application Strategy & Storytelling
Together, we identify the experiences, strengths and qualities that set you apart — and the stories that demonstrate them. I help you develop a clear personal “brand,” choose the strongest examples from your extracurricular, work and volunteer experiences, and turn them into compelling supplemental applications and essays that sound authentically like you.
2
Personal Profile & LinkedIn
Your activities and accomplishments should tell a story, not read like a list. I help you describe your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, employment and community involvement in ways that show your contribution and impact. I can also build or revamp your LinkedIn profile to create a polished, professional presence that reflects who you are and what you’ve accomplished.
3
Interview & Live Assessment Prep
When you have to perform in real time, preparation matters. I help you prepare for admissions interviews, video responses and live written assessments through targeted practice and detailed feedback — so you can think quickly, identify the strongest examples from your experience and communicate them clearly and confidently without sounding rehearsed.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Simona S.
Working with Elana on my admissions essays for the MA programs I aspired to was like turning on the light in a dark room. At first, without her, I felt confused about every aspect of it: how to approach the task, what was worth mentioning, the appropriate writing style. Not only did she provide hands-on support, but working with her gave me a better understanding of the process for similar future assignments. Very trustworthy, competent, respectful and sensitive to your individual style. I feel lucky to have worked with her!
Daniel C.
I hired Elana in a last ditch effort to gain acceptance to the professional university program of my dreams - a program known for competitive standards and highly selective acceptance rates. Initially, I thought my chances of acceptance were weak, but after working with Elana to refine my supplemental essays and application, I had much greater confidence in my chances. She helped me expand my thought-process about what to include in my essays, how to write them, and what program administrators would be looking for. She was also an exceptional editor. Working with her was simple and stress-free from start to finish. I was accepted to the program and credit our work together for my acceptance. Don't hesitate to work with her!
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