Essays That Open Doors to Top Colleges
From the Common App personal statement to the many supplemental essays, I guide students through the college admissions process with strategy, heart, and clarity. My students have been accepted to top schools like Cornell, NYU, UC Berkeley, Holy Cross, and many more. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining final drafts, you're in the right place.
Let's slay this season, together.
Essays that wow,
applications that work,
futures that shine.
Lisa Desberg is your go-to guru when it comes to writing your common app and supplemental essays. As founder and lead coach of SLAY the ESSAY, she helps teens write outstanding essays to get into their dream school all the while alleviating families of stress and fighting. A total win-win!
For students who have "no clue what to write about," Lisa makes the writing process "so much more fun and so much less stressful than I could have ever imagined" according to one client. Not only do students feel at ease, their ultimate products always have the WOW factor!
As a graduate of Boston University and University of Massachusetts, Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and education and a Master’s Degree in leadership. She has taught at the college level in China and at a public as well as a vocational high school for 20+ years.
Fun fact: Lisa was the mascot for the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Bruins, so you bet she’ll be cheering you on while guiding you to write your college essays.
Meet Lisa
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Navigating college applications can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. From building your school list and organizing deadlines to perfecting activity descriptions and supplemental essays, I offer step-by-step coaching tailored to your goals.
College Application Coaching
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With 1:1 coaching, I help students uncover their unique voice, craft powerful personal statements, and feel confident submitting essays that truly reflect who they are. Whether you're just getting started or need a final polish, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
College Essay Coaching
"Before working with Lisa, I was very stressed out and didn’t know where to start with the application process. After I had a chance to work with Lisa, she made it easier to get organized and not feel" stressed out."
Lulu FROM Ca
Kerri & Brian, parents from Massachusetts
Knowing that you were supporting [our daughter] took a lot of pressure off us as a family. Your demeanor and ability to challenge her while also generating an amazing piece of writing will make her a competitive candidate at any college she applies to. Thank you!
2/8
"We can’t thank you enough for your help and communication through the college essay process!"
Bryan
"One of my favorite parts of working with [Lisa] is how she's always full of energy and we can have conversations about anything, and still be doing the work as well. I learned that for writing you can just go with it first and then revise-- that's something very important she taught me throughout the process."
3/8
Adam, a dad from New York
The college essay and supplementals were a little too overwhelming for me to give my son the support he needed. Lisa brought up points that I never would have thought of and provided him the encouragement and guidance to write an essay from the heart that I was really proud of. She helped him come up with something I didn’t know he was capable of.
4/8
"We are grateful for her help, and I have peace of mind knowing we got the support we needed during this important time in [my son’s] life."
Harper
"Before we began any writing, we did a meditation exercise where I conceptualized myself a year from when we were doing the meditation and I envisioned myself at UC Berkley as a college student. That was really inspiring for me."
5/8
Deb, a godmother from Massachusetts
She has the uncanny ability to connect with all students as she sets them at ease providing guidance, resassurance, and an intense and committed focus throughout the incredibly emotional process. Lisa builds confidence as she assists students paralyzed by this process realize their hidden talents and true potential. The finished product, a tangible essay, is the positive result that comes from meeting and working with Lisa! A huge stress relief for every student and parent.
6/8
"Lisa works tirelessly to help students conquer the overwhelming college essay writing process."
Priscilla, a mom from Pennsylvania
I need to send a shout out about how fantastic it was for my daughter to work with Lisa. She brought a genuine sense of ease and fun to the process. It took any anxiety my daughter felt right out of it. She helped Frankie go deep inside and express herself so beautifully. I’m truly grateful for the way Lisa made college essay writing feel. Kind of a miracle.
7/8
"She brought a genuine sense of ease and fun to the process"
Kristine, a mom from Connecticut
Having Lisa “Zoom” into our lives was such a gift. All summer we talked about her need to do her college essay. It became a beast. Between her swirling thoughts and my unsolicited counter thoughts, my daughter was getting nowhere. Enter Lisa — intuitive, empathetic, knowledgable, and disciplined. The result? My daughter’s essay was done with joy, and the piece is strong, detailed, and emotional, just like her. We are deeply appreciative.
8/8
"My daughter’s essay was done with joy, and the piece is strong, detailed, and emotional, just like her. "
My clients have been accepted to univerisites including:
Free Brainstorming Guide
Free Brainstorming Guide
Use this free brainstorm sheet to activate your thinking because the best thing you can do is start off with a lot of ideas before narrowing them down.
Use this free brainstorm sheet to activate your thinking because the best thing you can do is start off with a lot of ideas before narrowing them down.
Free Brainstorming Guide
Free Brainstorming Guide
Use this free brainstorm sheet to activate your thinking because the best thing you can do is start off with a lot of ideas before narrowing them down.
Use this free brainstorm sheet to activate your thinking because the best thing you can do is start off with a lot of ideas before narrowing them down.
