Your story. Professionally crafted. On deadline.
The Essay Desk applies journalistic rigor and a storyteller’s eye to help students uncover their strongest themes and turn them into compelling application essays. We believe every student has a unique story worth telling—and telling well. Through relaxed, one-on-one conversations, tailored exercises, and guided discussions about goals and aspirations, we help students uncover their strongest themes and refine them into essays that resonate with admissions teams. Our process builds confidence, clarity, and a personal narrative that sets each student apart.
What We Do
We make the college essay process less stressful and more effective by helping students:
Discover their story
Identify experiences, values, and moments that truly reflect who they are.
Find their voice
Write in a way that sounds natural, not packaged, generic or AI generated.
Shape their essay
Move from brainstorm to outline to polished draft with clear, step-by-step guidance.
Build confidence
Learn skills that not only improve their essays but carry over into future writing.
The result: essays that feel authentic, read memorably, and give admissions officers a clear sense of the student behind the application.
Who We Are
The Essay Desk is led by principals Douglas Quenqua and Alexandra Privitera, two seasoned storytellers with decades of combined experience in journalism, media, and narrative development. Douglas spent 20 years as a regular contributor to the New York Times, The Atlantic, the New York Post, Fast Company, Adweek, and many others. Alexandra is a former executive with CNBC and Forbes and the co-founder of the Montclair Pod. Together, we bring our editorial judgment, coaching expertise, and deep understanding of what makes a story resonate to guide students in shaping authentic, memorable college application essays.
Our approach blends professional editorial expertise with a supportive, student-centered process that builds confidence, clarity, and impact.
Pricing Framework
Hourly Coaching
For students who need targeted help at specific stages—brainstorming, refining a draft, or final polishing.
$275/hour; 60-minute one-on-one sessions
Includes written notes and next-step recommendations via email
Perfect for students who already have a draft or want a focused “idea session”
2 hr minimum, paid in advance
Hourly charge can be applied to a package upgrade up until 5 hours
Core Essay Package (Most Popular)
From blank page to polished final essay—our signature process.
$4500 per student
45-day engagement includes:
1 x 45-minute initial video interview. Includes progress assessment, review of past writing, and goal-setting discussion
Take-home brainstorming exercises, if necessary
1 x 30-minute video call: essay topic check and structure guidance
First draft review and edits
Up to 2 additional rounds of edits/revisions
Final 15-minute video call
Delivers a ready-to-submit, authentic personal statement that reflects the student’s unique voice and experience
Advanced
For students applying to several competitive schools who want end-to-end support.
$9,500 per student
Includes:
Everything in the Core Essay Package
PLUS up to 4 supplemental essays (collaboration on ideas, structure, and edits)
Priority scheduling during peak season
Ideal for busy seniors aiming for a strong, consistent narrative across applications