About Taylor

With a B.A. in English from UCLA, Taylor has spent over a decade guiding students through the writing process. She has worked with students across the globe, in both high school and college, to help them develop personal and authentic application essays that have garnered acceptances from UCs to Ivy Leagues. Complementing her role as an essay coach, Taylor has taught MCAT CARS strategies for The Princeton Review and worked in the publishing industry, where she became a knowledgeable grammarian in addition to her default mode as a word nerd. She has written and edited for publications including Santa Barbara Magazine and Yoga Journal, and her short fiction has been published in several literary journals. Her current fiction project is a young adult speculative fiction novel. In her role as an Undergraduate Advisor at UCSB, Taylor has gained deeper insight into the college experience and the best way for students to express their eagerness and preparedness to embark on the next phase of their education.

Admissions gatekeepers want to hear about what makes students special, but self-promotion can be tough. Taylor helps her students write essays that highlight their best qualities in the right way, so prospective colleges will know why they are competitive candidates. After many years of working with students on their application essays, Taylor knows that in addition to being well written, the most successful essays require introspection. Students must articulate their personal development and growth—which means they must be aware of it. In addition to her strong writing and editing background, Taylor’s experience as a life and relationship coach, and personal growth mentor informs her ability to guide students through the essay process. In providing feedback, Taylor creates a nurturing environment and gives critique in a gentle, constructive manner. 

Working with students on their college admissions essays combines Taylor’s love of the written word with her belief that everyone deserves to follow their dreams. Taylor created The Life You Write because she knows you can have the life you want: you just have to write it.