“Writing has always been a struggle for my son, but with Laurie’s encouragement and expertise he took charge of the college application essay writing process. He was accepted into 9 of the 10 undergraduate programs he applied to, and I am sure the quality of his essays and his ability to authentically present himself and his passions made him a much stronger candidate. Thank you Laurie for all of your help and kindness — much appreciated!”
“In this industry of achievements and competition, it can be hard to let the real light shine through, and to convey the value in the writing process itself. Laurie keeps this alive, insuring that students learn about themselves and find value in the process, as well as enabling students to write excellent, individual personal narratives.”
“Your guidance throughout the application process surpassed all expectations and hopes. You led me to an essay that I was content with (something very rare for me), and gave me countless, enduring pieces of writing wisdom that I won’t soon forget. You have helped me become a better writer, editor, and observer. I am so grateful for everything you were able to coax from the page, and the positivity you brought to every revision. My only regret is that it lasted only a few weeks. Thank you for your optimism, craft, and thoughtfulness. Working with you was the highlight of my semester.”
“I truly believe that your insightful questions made my son’s essays come alive. I don’t think he would have achieved the same results without you. Not only was he accepted at his first choice school, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, but he was given the Rensselaer Leadership Award which is a four-year merit scholarship.”
“Thank you a million times over for all the help you have given me! I received a full scholarship to Agnes Scott College. I have already recommended you to many of the juniors as a valuable resource for next semester!!! “
“Laurie Filipelli is that rarest of hybrids: a prodigiously gifted and passionate writer and an equally gifted editor. She has an unerring ear for the beating pulse of a story and an uncanny ability to draw out the telling detail that brings an unformed draft to vivid life. Students who work with Laurie walk away not simply with essays that show them at their best; they walk away with a profound understanding of how to translate the messy welter of lived experience into lucid and compelling prose. In guiding her students, Laurie doesn’t dictate a way forward; rather, she challenges, she asks questions, she cracks jokes, and she engages them in a dialogue that remains ever respectful of their experience, their truths, and their voice. The result is a kind of alchemy in which raw material is transformed, through Laurie’s particular magic, into essay gold.
“Laurie is such a phenomenal coach that when it came time to apply to medical schools, I wanted to work with her again. She still remembered the essays I had written long ago for college, and, in spite of quick deadlines and difficult prompts, gave every sample the attention it needed. With her support, I worked hard to revise my essays so that the details truly reflected my experience and beliefs. I ended up getting interviews at nine schools, with a final result of acceptances to three renowned programs. She always brings out the best in me, and I can’t imagine working without her.”
“Laurie Filipelli is a brilliant editor and teacher who has significantly improved the quality of my work. I’m confident I would not have a contract with Hyperion if it had not been for her editorial skills.”
“I can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me to have someone with your knowledge, experience, and gift for teaching and editing help me with my poetry. Your excellent reading suggestions, spot-on critiques of my poems, and your enthusiasm for poetry and poetry-writing are worth far more than your hourly rate to me. I will recommend you to anyone who will listen.
List of College Acceptances
- Agnes Scott College
- American University
- Barnard College
- Boston University
- Brandeis University
- Bucknell University
- Case Western Reserve University
- Colorado College
- Connecticut College
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth College
- Duke University
- Florida State University
- George Mason University
- George Washington University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Harvey Mudd College
- Haverford College
- Johns Hopkins University
- Lawrence University
- Lehigh University
- Lewis and Clark College
- Occidental College
- Pomona College
- Princeton University
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Rice University
- Rutgers University
- St. Andrews University, Scotland
- San Diego State University
- Santa Clara University
- Scripps College
- Southwestern University
- Texas A&M University
- Texas State University
- Texas State University Honors College
- Tufts University
- Tulane University
- University of Chicago
- University of California San Diego
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Michigan
- University of Richmond
- University of Rochester
- University of Southern California
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Texas at Austin, Plan II Honors
- University of Texas at Dallas
- University of Vermont
- Vanderbilt University
- Wellesley College
- Wesleyan University
- Wooster College