The Right Support.
The Right Time.
The Essay That Matters Most.
Our coaching packages are designed to meet your student where they are — whether they’re staring at a blank screen or polishing a final draft.
If you're here, you already know college essays matter.
What you may not know is how much calmer—and more confident—your student can feel with the right support.
Dana’s one-on-one coaching helps students clarify what they want to say, organize their ideas, and bring their story to life.
Essay Coaching Services
Choosing the right college or graduate program is one of the most important decisions a student will make—and the application process can feel overwhelming. Dana Drake offers expert coaching for high school students, graduate and medical school applicants, and families who want personalized support at every stage.
Explore the services below to learn more.
Undergraduate Admissions Coaching (Juniors & Seniors)
Preparing for the college admissions process can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. We offer personalized essay and interview coaching for high school juniors and seniors to help navigate every step of the writing process with greater confidence and less stress.
Discover the story behind your application
ESSAY COACHING — $200/HOUR
- Common Application Personal Statement
- UC Personal Insight Question essays (UC PIQs)
- College-specific supplemental essays (“Why Us?” essays)
BRAINSTORMING SESSION — $250
- A structured session to uncover compelling stories, identify essay themes, and outline key story points that will guide the personal statement and supplemental essays. Students leave with a clear direction and a working roadmap they can use for drafting their essays, either on their own or with continued coaching.
INTERVIEW COACHING — $150/HOUR
- Whether you're preparing for a college admissions interview, internship, or job opportunity, thoughtful preparation can make all the difference. We help students strengthen their communication skills, articulate their experiences clearly, and present themselves with confidence and professionalism. Through personalized coaching, we’ll practice common interview questions, develop strategic responses, and help you feel fully prepared to make a lasting impression.
COLLEGE APPLICATION VIDEO COACHING — $150/HOUR
- Some colleges and programs now offer optional video introductions or supplemental application videos as part of the admissions process. These videos give students another opportunity to showcase their personality, voice, and story beyond the written application.
- We help students brainstorm ideas, refine scripts and talking points, and develop a natural on-camera presence while creating videos that feel authentic, polished, and engaging.
- With a background as an Emmy-winning journalist, documentary producer, executive coach, and speechwriter, Dana brings professional expertise in storytelling, communication, interviewing, and presentation coaching, helping students feel comfortable, prepared, and genuinely themselves on screen.
*Payment is due in full at time of booking
Graduate & Med School Admissions Coaching
Applying to graduate or medical school requires a higher level of strategy, polish, and confidence. Dana provides personalized coaching to help you craft a standout application and present your strongest self to admissions committees.
Support includes:
- Personal statement and supplemental essay coaching
- CV development and experience positioning
- Interview preparation, including mock interviews and MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) coaching
Graduate and Med School Package Options:
- Comprehensive Application Package
Full start-to-finish support, from shaping your personal narrative to interview preparation.
Starting at $3000 and up depending on level of support needed. Personal Statement Review Package
One-time coaching and detailed editing to help you craft a compelling and authentic personal statement.
Starting at $800.Interview Mastery Package
Prepare for success with mock interviews, feedback sessions, and specialized MMI coaching if needed.
Starting at $500.
Additional Services
In addition to one-on-one student coaching, we offer resources and support for parents, college counselors, and families navigating the admissions process.
Services include:
- College Counselor Collaboration:
Workshops and referral partnerships to extend essay coaching support to your students. - Parent Guidance:
Coaching sessions to help parents understand the admissions process and provide the right support to their child without adding stress. - For High School Juniors:
Essay coaching for competitive college and university summer program applications.
My family and I are so grateful for your tremendous support in the essay process.
You helped me become a better writer - your teaching will hopefully stay with me long after high school.
Dash S. | High School Student
Thank you so much Dana…you are a lifesaver and I’m so appreciative for your help. Girls seem to be ready to get their apps in soon and I’m so grateful to you for that!
Hope you’re cool with me passing your name around to friends?!
Best, Maggie S. (Parent of two high school students)
Hi Dana
I just heard back from Syracuse and I GOT IN!!!! I want to thank you so so much for all of your help with the essays!!
I am so appreciative of all the help you have given me!
Brooke M. | High School Student
Hi Dana,
I wanted to thank you for all of your time, help, and guidance throughout this entire process.
Your help with my essays has meant the world to me and I couldn't have done it without you. From the very beginning, you’ve been so helpful and understanding of the way I learn and write. Your support has made this journey significantly less daunting, and I truly appreciate everything.
I am so thankful to have had your support, and I can't thank you enough.
Goldie B. | High School Student
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