Hi! I'm a violinist, writer, and editor, and for the last nine years I've worked with students applying to college, medical school, law school, and other professional degrees. I love working with students to develop essays that share their stories in compelling and unique ways.

I'm fortunate to have a varied career that adds a nuanced perspective to my application work. I'm the Assistant Principal Second Violin with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, and I freelance as a violinist in the Chicago area. As a writer, I publish short fiction in journals including Gulf Coast, The Rumpus, and the Masters Review. I've worked as an editor for many years and in many contexts including founding Dartmouth's literary magazine, Humbug.

In the 2023-2024 application cycle, my students were accepted to Columbia, Cornell, Brown, Duke, University of Chicago, USC, NYU, UNC Chapel Hill, Vanderbilt, Bates, Northwestern, UC Berkeley, UCLA and many others!

I've worked with hundreds of students and read thousands of essays. I know what works and what doesn't. I take pride in helping students discover the unique thing that they have to say and expressing it in clear and compelling language.

*If you come from a working class family, I encourage you to reach out about a free consultation! If so, please mention it in your request.*

I can work with you at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming all the way through intensive copy and line edits. I've worked with students interested in any and all fields, from engineering, to business, to humanities, to performing arts. I've worked with veterans, transfer students, international students coming to the U.S., and older adults who are returning to school. In recent years, I've focused particularly on students applying to BS/MD programs as well as conventional med school applications. As a professional violinist, I have unique insight into students who are both talented artists and academically driven. I love working with high schoolers who are trying to build a life that combines those two things. It was an important part of my own journey, but it's not always easy to figure out on your own! Whatever your story is, I'd like to hear it and help you achieve your goals.

Here are some selected reviews from students:

"stupendous review. felt like my third eye was opened. thanks so much!"

"Robbie provides detailed advice and great insights on how to improve your essays. His comments helped me take my essay to another level and gave me a clear direction to work towards. He's great to work with and super flexible. Thank you Robbie! "

"You are my savior. Thank you so much!"

"Robbie's feedback is incredible. He really looks into what areas of your essay need refinement, and provides great insight as to what you could add on, specify, etc. Highly Recommend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"