Wingra Learning Collective

Support your student with expert admissions essay help.

All students have the potential to write a strong essay. And as a parent, you want to see your teenager succeed, but it can be hard to help your own child. Our essay coaching helps students craft compelling personal stories that stand out to admissions committees.

Apply Now!

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“Chris did a great job listening to my daughter and eliciting her ideas using a non-judgmental and encouraging approach. His suggestions were very helpful and he was able to move her along at times when she felt stuck. He was kind and engaging and provided a very clear roadmap of what to expect. His communication with me and with her along the way was excellent. He has a solid knowledge of what colleges are looking for and all of his guidance and counseling was extremely helpful!”

Madison West Parent

We know that writing is not easy.

Feeling the Time Pressure–or Not.

When deadlines seem far away, it can be hard to stay motivated. Could any of us sit alone and write an essay on a lovely June morning?

Finding and Telling a great story

All of us have stories we can tell to share who we are and what we can contribute. Students sometimes struggle to know what they should focus on.

Dealing with Unknowns

College applications offer several essay prompts, the Common App options among them. Reading these for the first time, it can be hard to know where to jump in.

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“Thank you for making a very stressful situation much more manageable. My son’s experience was incredibly positive and helped keep him on track with writing his essays. I have recommended Chris to several other families as a resource for college essays.“

Verona Parent

Comprehensive Essay Coaching Services

My goal is to provide a structured, multi-week process, within which students can take the time they need to do good work.

Story Discovery and Brainstorming

We take our time at the start to help students identify their unique experiences and perspectives. We think about experiences and values here.


Draft Development and Structure

We discuss the draft a student has written and I guide them through clear next steps. Students always have focused work to complete for the next session.

Revision and Final Polish

As the essay take shape, we read through it carefully to be sure the sentences are grammatically correct and fully communicate the student’s ideas.

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“Chris wasn’t afraid to give me feedback for the betterment of the essay. He gave me the right tools and excellent advice which resulted in a strong essay and me feeling more confident about my writing skills moving forward.”

Monona Grove Student

Choose Your Course:

Common App admissions Essay Coaching

This option is best for students seeking direction and feedback for writing their main Common App essay.

This program includes three one-on-one, in-person sessions and one online essay review.

Expanded admissions essay Coaching

This option is best for students wanting assistance with both the main Common App Essay and a supplemental essay.

This program includes five one-on-one, in-person sessions and two online reviews.

Learn More Here

Get Started Now with Essay Coaching.

Apply Here

Curious about our programs?

We’d love to hear from you.

Contact Us

About Me

Chris Vander Ark

After a 25-year career teaching high school English, I founded Wingra Learning Collective to work with students in this important time in their lives. In addition to working with countless students on essays for our English class, I also have graded thousands of AP exams as an AP Reader and Table Leader with the College Board. It’s been meaningful to work with young people in the college application process as they discover and tell their own powerful stories.