“Writing the Common App essay is an often dreaded rite of passage for seniors. Over seven sessions, Dan gave my son, Lucas, an advanced crash course in the craft of writing well. Beyond being a gifted writing coach, Dan is inquisitive and encouraging, and with some kind of meticulous and magical detective power, he drew out of Lucas a story that brought his personality and values to life.
Lucas would tell you writing with Dan was arduous, but also inspirational, satisfying, and surprisingly fun. Between their writing sessions, Lucas put in hours of work and self reflection, but none of those hours were wasted — the final product shines. Anyone who reads my son's essay will get a clear sense of what he’s all about — it brings the reader into his world, and reveals the unique and creative aspects of his character. I’m grateful not only for the time Lucas and Dan worked together, but for the writing skills Lucas gained that will be useful in college and afterwards.
(P.S. After showing my son this review, he insisted I say more about how fun and likable Dan is, and more about how much he loved getting to know him. So I’m adding: Dan is really really fun and good-natured and passionate about what he does and he’s the kind of mentor you love your kid to have.)”