Elina Blazh
College Essay Coach
Personalized essay coaching from a UC Berkeley graduate. I help students transform their stories into standout applications that get results.
Specializing in undergraduate applications via UC system and Common App.
Hi, I’m Elina!
The strongest college essays don’t just list achievements — they tell the story of a mind in motion.
As a UC Berkeley graduate trained in cognitive science and the art of storytelling, I help students transform raw experiences into narratives that resonate. Together, we’ll craft essays that feel deeply personal yet meticulously structured — essays that capture attention, hold it, and leave a lasting impression.
Graduated from UC Berkeley, with a B.A. in Cognitive Science
Accepted to UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Irvine (with scholarship), New York University, George Washington University (with scholarship), and Ringling College of Art and Design (with scholarship).
Writing background in art history, comedy and screenwriting.
Specializing in undergraduate college applications: University of California and Common App.
Bilingual: English & Russian
What People Are Saying
“She helped me with my essays for medical school and it was very useful! She helped refine my ideas, put my best self forward, & articulate my authentic voice.”
— Shaili P.
Admitted to UC Irvine Medical School“Working with Elina on my college applications was an incredible experience! She took the time to truly get to know me through deep, genuine conversations, which helped me uncover my motivations, passions, and goals. I was able to shape a compelling personal narrative that came through in my essays. Even during the editing stage, she helped bring out the personal experiences and passions through storytelling elements that made my application stand out.
Thanks to her guidance, I was admitted to nearly every school I applied to—including my top choice, Caltech. I’m so grateful and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking college counseling or essay writing support!”
— Eshani P.
Admitted to Caltech, MIT, UCLA and Stanford“Elina is an amazing help when it comes to writing college application essays. I recently moved to the USA and was not familiar with how the college application process works. I also struggled with organizing and describing all of my high school activities in a clear and effective way. Elina guided me through every step, helped me understand what colleges are looking for, and taught me how to present my experiences in the best possible way.
What really stands out is her flexibility and dedication. She can easily switch from topic to topic, so whenever I felt stuck, she always found a way to help me move forward. She is not afraid to start over if needed to achieve the best result. At the same time, she never pressures me to write about something I’m uncomfortable with—instead, she helps me find better ways to express my story in a way that feels natural. She creates personalized lesson plans to make sure everything is completed within deadlines, which makes the entire college preparation process much less stressful. With her support, I felt much more confident in my applications.
With her help and support, I was able to get accepted into several colleges that I had doubted I could get into. Her guidance truly strengthened my applications and significantly improved my chances of admission. I’m very grateful for her support and would highly recommend her to anyone who needs help with college essays.”
— Kate G.
Admitted to UC Davis, UC Santa CruzFAQs
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I don’t use templates or generic advice — instead, I work closely with you to unearth the stories that reveal who you are and why you belong on a college campus. I bring both analytical precision and narrative artistry to the process. Every essay we shape together is entirely your own — authentic, memorable, and strategically crafted.
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It depends on your goals and where you are in the writing process. Some students come to me with a complete draft that needs a single round of intensive feedback. Others start with only a few ideas, and we collaborate over several sessions to develop, write, and revise their essays. During our initial consultation, I’ll recommend a timeline and structure tailored to your needs.
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No — and no reputable essay mentor should. My role is to guide, question, and edit in a way that helps you write your strongest work. The words, ideas, and stories will always be yours. My goal is to ensure that your authentic voice shines through, elevated by thoughtful structure, clarity, and depth.
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Both. While the Common App personal statement and UC PIQs are often the most significant pieces, supplemental essays are equally important and deserve the same level of care. I help students with “Why Us” responses, intellectual curiosity essays, community questions, and more — ensuring each piece feels intentional and cohesive within your larger application.
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Notice: Cancellations or reschedule requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled session.
Late Cancellations: Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be subject to a 50% fee of the scheduled session cost.
No-Shows: If you do not attend a scheduled session without prior notice, the full session fee will be charged.
Emergencies: I understand that unexpected circumstances can arise. If an emergency prevents you from attending a session, please contact me as soon as possible — exceptions can be made at my discretion.
Let’s begin your story
Every great essay begins with a conversation. Whether you’re ready to start crafting your application or simply have a few questions, I’d love to hear from you.
Please fill out the form below, and I’ll be in touch within 2 business days to schedule a complimentary consultation or answer any inquiries you may have. You can also email me directly: elinaessaycoach@gmail.com
Additional Information
Payment
I accept payment via Venmo, Paypal and Zelle.
Email
elinaessaycoach@gmail.com
Location
Online via Google Meets
(I’m on Pacific Standard Time)