College Admission Essay Counselor // Executive Function // Writing Coach
My Coaching is Driven by Purpose & Insight
I strive to empower my clients as a College Admission Essay Counselor, Executive Function and Writing Coach, and Educational Consultant. I truly enjoy my work – engaging my clients in a purposeful, liberating process, bringing critical thinking and insight to their writing and academic lives. I believe this sense of joy meaningfully shows up in the very texture of my work, as I naturally build understanding and rapport with my students. In many ways, this rapport-building is the foundation of effectively coaching students on their academic journeys.
I have a background in Sociology & Literature and a Masters in Education from UC Berkeley. I have also taught at Berkeley High School, as well as a few independent, college-prep schools across the SF Bay Area.
Empowering Students to Write with Purpose & Succeed
with Confidence since 2005
“In junior year, Kevin helped me build better skills to organize my responsibilities and manage my time. In senior year, he also played a major role in my college application, giving feedback throughout the essay writing process and helping me reflect on what I value most in educational institutions...I’m now in my first year at Yale.”
“Kevin is more than just a great academic coach; he is truly a master of his work, seeking to cultivate genuine academic curiosity within his students as well as high academic performance. Last year, I had the pleasure of working with him on a number of my college applications, and I could not be more proud of the results. Throughout the process, Kevin not only provided valuable feedback – he was truly passionate about my growth and development as a thinker and writer.”
“After working with Kevin for the last 10 months, my son has improved his ability to reflect, write, edit, and complete his assignments. Although reluctant to work with a tutor at first, our son connected with Kevin right away. He enjoys his tutoring sessions!”
Explore years of my archived reviews on the Berkeley Parents Network:
https://www.berkeleyparentsnetwork.org/recommend/org/kevin-arnold
Location & Logistics
Bay Area & Beyond
While based in Berkeley and the San Francisco Bay Area, I mostly work with my students and clients remotely using Google Meet throughout California, the United States, and internationally.
College Admissions Essay Coaching
With my focused manner, I show students, step-by-step, how to compose unforgettable college admission essays and complete their cohesive applications. Together, we will create drafts, analyze past versions of successful essays, finalize main essays and supplementals, and complete your stellar application. Overall, we will focus on strategically presenting an authentic and cohesive narrative throughout your essays and entire application.
~For most college applicants, a comprehensive application that meaningfully enhances their candidacy typically requires 15 to 30 hours of focused collaboration over 4 to 8 weeks.
Application Review Don't let a generic essay get in the way of your top-choice schools. If you're questioning whether your application will catch an admissions officer's eye, I’ve got you covered. Together, we will review every section to ensure your core theme stands out.
Executive Function & Academic Coaching
Long-term academic success relies on several strategically logical, organizational, and emotional skills. As your Executive Function & Academic Coach, we'll create customized organizational systems and planners your student will actually use. We’ll collaboratively work on building strategies to help improve focus, address time-management issues, increase motivation, and work through avoidance. Also, we’ll track and complete all weekly assignments.
~Most executive function students benefit from 1 to 3 hours of weekly sessions to establish the support and structure necessary for success in their academic lives.
Writing Coaching & Content Creation
Creative potential is limitless. I work with authors, filmmakers, and artists across a wide spectrum of disciplines to develop effective, intuitive, and compelling content.
Educational Consulting Every student has a unique story. As an Educational Consultant, I work with families from diverse academic backgrounds and cultures to find college, university, or high school options where they can thrive. Drawing on extensive knowledge of colleges throughout California and the United States, I make the search for the right school clear and personal.