Guiding principles
Following a successful career as a professional writer and editor, I launched College Perspective to guide students in their college admissions journeys.
I find joy in helping students...
Recognize and develop their gifts and interests.
Showcase their talents and personal stories in their college applications.
Find the colleges where they can thrive and grow for their next stage of life!
Services
College Perspective partners with students and their families at every step of the college admissions journey, starting as early as 8th grade.
High school guidance — academic course planning, extracurricular activities, standardized testing strategy and timing, and college tours and research
College application advising — developing college lists, brainstorming and writing essays, creating impactful activity and award lists, requesting strong letters of recommendation, and navigating the decision-making process
Meet Emmeline
After studying English/Creative Writing (BA) and Psychology (MA) at Stanford and receiving a PhD in Social Psychology from NYU, I spent 20+ years working as a writer and editor in the SF Bay Area.
But college admissions has always been my not-so-hidden passion (ask any of my friends!). I've been interested in college admissions since high school, was delighted to serve as an alumni interviewer for Stanford, and have been advising students and families about college applications for years on a pro bono basis.
Learn more about my background.
Student testimonials
"When I shared my drafts for the UC Personal Insight Questions with Dr. Chen, she helped me refine them — suggesting what to expand and what to cut out — until they expressed exactly what I wanted to say, right up to the maximum word count! I was excited to be accepted to every UC campus and ultimately chose Berkeley over UCLA!"
Ally
UC Berkeley
"I didn't think I had any awards to share with colleges, but Dr. Chen helped me realize there were several honors I could list in my Common App. She also guided me in fleshing out my activities list, helping me make it much more powerful and descriptive of what I had accomplished during my high school years."
Kevin
Cornell University
"After I was deferred, Dr. Chen identified the parts of my personal story that would resonate with Dartmouth and showed me how to highlight them in my Letter of Continued Interest. She also helped strengthen my essays and activities list. I was so happy to be admitted to both Dartmouth and Cornell in the Regular Decision round!"
Mark
Dartmouth College
"Dr. Chen guided me in academics and extracurriculars, encouraging me to try out activities and helping me find advanced courses not offered at my high school. After I decided on a major, she developed a customized list of colleges for me. Northeastern wasn't initially on my radar, but it's been a great fit for me — I'm where I belong!"
Anya
Northeastern University
To learn how College Perspective can guide you in the college admissions journey, please fill out the Contact Us form.