Z-S-Z
Zero Stress Zach
College Application and Academic Support
You finish reading the application essay you just wrote and think 'who even is this?'
Or maybe writing feels too daunting to begin because you're not sure what your prospective schools really value...
It's overwhelming applying to college, keeping your grades up, and preparing for the tests that matter.
Let's figure out how to present an authentic verson of you together.
Introducing Me
My academic journey
Hi, I'm Zach Vincent! I graduated from Montrose High School in 2021 and have since attended the University of St Andrews and the London School of Economics for my undergraduate and master's degrees. I'm now applying for PhDs in history, specifically colonial history and the history of anthropology.
One of my greatest passions is writing well. Contributing to and editing one of my university's history journals, I encountered bad writing, a lot of good writing, and a few pieces of exceptional writing. Few things feel as good as helping a writer turn something good into something exceptional; that's part of why I'm pursuing becoming a professor one day. I want to make a difference through teaching and guiding students through the many challenges of education!
Why I want to work with you now
I know how stressful it is to apply to college. I've done it for my undergraduate, master's, and now PhD degrees, so the overwhelming feelings that accompany applications are very familiar to me. Specificially, it can be hard to know what to write. I've watched myself, along with friends and family, grapple with the challenge of presenting themselves to universities in ways that feel authentic and distinctive. In the age of AI, anyone can produce something that sounds polished. The question is: will it sound like you? Because more and more, authenticity is becoming the dominant priority for university admissions teams and scholarship committees.
I want to work with high schoolers in Western Colorado because I know how important the college admissions process is. I believe I can provide an invaluable third-party perspective on presenting an authentic version of you to the schools and funding providers that matter. Why? Because I've had to learn how to present myself to universities over and over again.
How Can I Help You?
Fall
Building College Lists
If you haven't decided on exactly which schools would be best for you, I am happy to discuss it with you. We can weigh your interests, academic history, and goals to find the right places.
Reviewing Essays and Statements
The most important part of the process is going beyond 'this is why I would be a good fit for xyz school' to craft a compelling narrative that will strike admissions teams as distinctive and memorable. Through feedback, editing, and reserach, I can help you get there!
Activity and Work Lists
We can use every part of the college and scholarship application to do something distinctive. Essays may be critical, but they aren't everything. I'll help you use each section of the application to tell your story.
Holistic Application Feedback
The common application essay, the individual school essays/statements, the activity lists, the test scores, the transcript. Together, we can look at them all to make sure your application is balanced and avoids unnecessary repetition.
Spring
Finding Scholarships
It's not only local scholarships that you might be eligible for. State- and nation-wide scholarships are a valuable resource, and so are the scholarships offered by individual schools. I will reserach with you to help ensure you don't just get in to school but can also pay for it.
Even More Essay Feedback!
Scholarships, grants, and bursaries all require essays just like college applications. But what makes a scholarship essay different? We can edit and revise multiple drafts to tailor your words to every application.
Humanities Tutoring
Applications aren't only about writing. GPA is a component as well. If you're not yet a senior and want to set yourself up for future success, I can help you study for your English and Social Studies classes to get you where you need.
AP and SAT
Prep
DBQs, SAQs, MCQs, etc. can be frustrating and tough to view objectively. I can help you practice, hone your test-taking skills, and get the results that could help with college admissions and also save you money on college credits!
Showcasing the Best You
Stresses
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Knowing what your options are, what 'fit' means, and figuring out what type of school is right for you.
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Figuring out what sounds authentically like you to an admissions committee.
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How do you represent yourself well without feeling like bragging?
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Avoiding repeating yourself in different parts of the application; using each section to the fullest advantage.
Opportunities
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We can figure out what your higher education goals are and find the schools which best align with them.
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I'll give you a non-biased third-party perspective on what sounds forced and what sounds passionate and real.
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Rather than list achievements, we can build narratives that tie together diverse parts of your life to tell the story of you.
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We can explore how admissions teams use each part of the application and open up space for you to demonstrate your complexity and versatility.
Meeting Options
One-Off Meetings
Just need an extra set of eyes on one particular essay? Or some tutoring before a particularly important test? We can meet up for 1 hr. and workshop a particular problem.
Support Packages
Get a discount on my per-hour rate by booking a package of multiple hours. You can use hours as needed any time from September through July! Any time you want help, you become my #1 priority.
See the 'Packages and Pricing' Page for more details!
Contact Me
Get in Touch
I would love to hear from you! Reach out for more information about tutoring services and college application support, or to schedule a free 20-minute meeting to figure out if I can be of service to you. Use the form or email me at zerostresszach@gmail.com to book or inquire.
