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about ME
I am a Louisiana native now living in Chevy Chase, MD. Following high school graduation, I attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where I studied Comparative Religion and European History and was actively engaged in the student admissions council.
I obtained a master’s degree in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania, worked in undergraduate admissions at both the University of Chicago and Columbia University, spent a year as a college counselor at an education consultancy in Boston, and then earned a second master’s degree, this one in Human Development and Psychology, from Harvard University. Subsequently, I worked as an adjunct admissions officer for Columbia University until my first son was four.
My areas of expertise are writing, editing, and the college admissions process, both in the U.S. and the United Kingdom. I’m a writer and editor who, in addition to having my own work published, has advised scores of college applicants and professionals intent on returning to graduate study on crafting personal essays that best depict their academic interests and goals. My objective with students is to help them apply to schools where they will thrive and be happy. I also love editing resumes, cover letters, and larger bodies of work including essays and manuscripts.
In addition to editing and writing, I am an avid gardener, reader, lover of languages, and the mother of two spirited children. I believe deeply that each of us has multiple gifts and passions and that full lives allow space for and celebration of all. -Emily Nichols Grossi
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Services
undergraduate and graduate school applications
Undergraduate applicant essay work begins with a family meeting unless otherwise desired. Subsequent work is done one-on-one with the student in person, via Zoom, and through email/Google Docs.
Long-distance clients should fear not! All editing work can easily be done via email, Google Docs, and Zoom. I've worked with people in California and Louisiana, Washington and Illinois, Canada and Europe, and we connected seamlessly.
From initial brainstorming to polishing the last draft, I am happy to start working with students at any point during their essay writing process. It is my goal to foster a relaxed, thoughtful, productive atmosphere of trust in which students express themselves freely, and I learn what academic passions and extracurricular pursuits make them tick.
In America, most undergraduate and graduate school applications offer multiple opportunities for the student to make the paper personal. From short-answer responses and extracurricular activity descriptions to the primary essay, the written portions of school applications are great ways to make oneself known and engaging. While international universities generally ask for a single statement directed at the student’s intended area of study, voice still matters in terms of bringing words to life. I partner with each student and see myself as a supportive teammate on the road to polished applications that reflect the whole of the unique individual.
Interview prep
Many schools offer applicants the opportunity to interview on campus or with an alumni representative in your home area. It is empowering and helpful to practice answering all manner of potential interview questions in advance of the real thing. I provide students as many mock interview practice sessions as needed to feel confident and ready.
Other Editorial Services
In addition to application essays, I take great pride in helping people craft powerful resumes and cover letters, and in polishing manuscripts of all size and shape. I’ve assisted an arts and development professional with a complete overhaul of her extensive resume, and had the great fortune to help edit Deep South Dispatch: Memoir of a Civil Rights Journalist.
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Writing has changed and improved my life in countless ways. I believe deeply that any sort of writing, especially if creative and/or personal, is a portal into parts of ourselves that might otherwise remain unknown. Whether telling a college more about who you are as a young adult or a potential boss about why you are the perfect candidate for the job or readers about your fears and hopes and beliefs, you're coming to better understand and know yourself, and that is never a bad thing. To partner with others as they travel these roads is an honor.
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Satisfied CLIENTs
Parents
Students
manuscript, resume, and cover letter clients
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rates
My hourly rate is $275, and I bill by the minute. Time is charged for all in-person meetings and for editing and consulting work done via email and phone. I keep a detailed work log for each client and send invoices monthly. Payment is due within fourteen days of receipt of bill.
A little time can go a long way as I'm an efficient editor who loves immersing myself in the work.
A $125 fee will be charged for each hour of appointment missed without prior notice. And, if students are running late without letting me know, billing will begin at the original appointment start time.
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CONTACT
Please call 703-389-3769 to schedule an appointment or to speak with me. If I am unavailable, please leave a message providing a convenient time to reach you and be sure to state your phone number clearly. You can also email me at emgrossi@gmail.com or use the contact form below.