Essential Advising
$149/month
Steady, monthly support for students who want someone to check in with, ask questions, and get feedback as they work.
I'm interested in Essential AdvisingCollege Admissions & Advising
One-on-one advising for California high school students applying to the UCs and beyond. I help students plan their college list, write their own strongest essays, and stay on track from junior year through submission, at a price families can manage.
What I offer
Every student’s list, story, and schedule is different. I work with one student at a time, read their drafts closely, and give specific feedback so they can tell their own story clearly.
Regular video check-ins, feedback on drafts, and help keeping deadlines on track, month to month or through the whole senior-year season.
Written feedback on personal statements, supplements, and all four UC Personal Insight Questions, plus a full review before you submit.
Building a balanced college list, understanding UC campuses, and planning activities and leadership with purpose.
Ongoing advising
Applications go better with steady support than with a last-minute rush. Monthly advising gives students a regular time to plan, ask questions, and get feedback as they work.
$149/month
Steady, monthly support for students who want someone to check in with, ask questions, and get feedback as they work.
I'm interested in Essential AdvisingMost complete monthly plan
$299/month
Weekly support for students in the middle of the application season or planning ahead with a lot to organize.
I'm interested in Comprehensive AdvisingPricing to be finalized
Four months of support from August through November of senior year, covering the college list, essays, and a final review before submitting.
Join the interest listIndividual services
One-time reviews and sessions are available for students who want focused help on a specific part of their application.
Detailed written feedback on one essay, plus a second look after you revise.
$65
Support on all four UC Personal Insight Questions, from choosing prompts to a final read.
$225
A full read of your UC application or Common App before you submit.
$149
One focused conversation about your college list, UC campus fit, timelines, and activities.
$85
How advising works
Five steps from the first call to the final draft, with parents and guardians kept in the loop.
Send a short email with the student’s grade and what you need help with. No essays or documents needed.
We talk through goals and timelines by video. Parents and guardians are always welcome to join, and I recommend one service that fits.
A parent or guardian reviews and signs a short agreement covering the service, price, refunds, and the policies on essays and outcomes.
After payment, I create a private shared folder for drafts that only the student, their parent or guardian, and I can access.
The student writes, I give clear written feedback and ask questions, and we meet on the schedule your plan includes.
My approach
I’m Shereen Simonian, a first-year student at UC Berkeley and a recent California high school graduate. I went through the UC application process recently, and I started this service to give students affordable, one-on-one feedback on their own applications.
I give feedback and ask questions. I never write or rewrite essays, and I never log in to application accounts.
No one can promise an admission decision. I focus on helping students present themselves clearly and honestly.
Parents and guardians are copied on scheduling and are welcome on any call.
Tell me where the student is in the process, and I’ll suggest what would help most. There’s no obligation to sign up.