Melissa M.

Melissa M.

5.0

Essay support for apps to Northwestern, Harvard, & other selective schools

Studied at DePaul University

Works at Schuler Scholar Program

Not currently taking new clients

I'm once again taking on new clients! I can typically set up initial coaching calls within 3 business days, and I can provide essay reviews and edits within 24-48 hours. Regardless of your timeline, please reach out if you need support as I can often expedite my services.

Protected by the Leland Experience Guarantee

Not currently taking new clients

Melissa’s Master’s Programs Qualifications

Coaches professionally

20+ people coached for Master’s Programs

Open to working with clients outside the U.S.

Melissa has helped clients get into these schools:

I've supported students with admissions to MBA programs, MPH programs, master's of psychology programs, and more.

Melissa can help with:

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Editing

Interviews

Waitlist Strategy

School Selection

Secondary Review

Application Strategy

Essays

Resume

Letters of Recommendation

Melissa also coaches for Medical School, Career Development, and College. View all.

About Melissa

I'm Melissa, M.Ed., non-profit leader, writer, and coach. I hold a fierce passion for helping people become the best versions of themselves. I live by the belief that strong coaching requires connection, dedication, honesty, and respect. Connection between coach and client. Dedication to your journey. Honesty in communication. Respect for your unique goals and experiences. An educator by training, I have coached, taught, and advised individuals representing more than 50 countries, ranging between the ages of 13-80. I utilize a strengths-based approach that prioritizes your goals and needs, while also balancing leadership development, vision and mission exploration, skill cultivation, and meaningful, personalized self-expression. With my experience in writing, college access, and academic success, I have a successful track record of helping students gain admission to selective undergraduate, graduate, and medical programs, including Cornell, University of California San Diego, University of California Irvine, Case Western, University of Virginia, University of Pittsburgh, Boston University, Indiana University, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, and more. Fun fact! I was admitted to Marquette University under a prestigious scholarship to complete a PhD, but I decided that full-time teaching in academia wasn't for me. Beyond my work with clients and students, I enjoy being a mom and wife, traveling to a new country, and hosting themed dinners with friends and family!

Why do I coach?

I coach because I have seen and experienced how coaching can change an individual's entire trajectory by giving them the space to think about all that's possible - even things that were formerly inconceivable. I was adopted as a young child, and for years I struggled with my self-esteem. I was a good kid and performed well enough in school, but I never thought I was anything stellar. When I got to college, I became a mentee in a mentoring program, and I was then selected to serve as a mentor in the same program. I was pushed beyond my "comfort zone" and into my "stretch zone." I learned how to navigate the challenges of school and life. I learned to embrace my strengths and own my struggles. And I began to see that I could support others. I realized that I had a lot to offer the world, and as a result, my passion for supporting others with their own life journeys - and helping them realize what they have to offer - was born.