ABOUT STEP BY STEP COLLEGE ESSAY PREP
Helping Students Tell the Story That Gets Them Noticed
Every year, admissions officers read thousands of college applications from students who all look impressive on paper. Strong grades. High test scores. Leadership in extracurricular activities.
So what makes one student stand out from the rest?
The answer is often the essay.
At Step by Step College Essay Prep, we help students discover the story only they can tell—and transform it into a compelling college essay that admissions officers remember. Our mission is simple: guide students through the essay process with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that brings out their authentic voice.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, students gain a clear path forward, learning how to communicate who they are, what they value, and where they are headed.
ABOUT STACEY
My name is Stacey Lichter, and at Step by Step College Essay Prep, you will be working with me directly to prepare your college admission essays.
Why do I do this?
Selfishly, I feel joy when I help applicants discover how wonderful they are, which makes every client’s journey my journey too. I’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and each year, I meet a new group of students who surprise and charm me with their abilities and ambitions.
What are my qualifications?
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater from Occidental College and a Master of Music degree from San Francisco Conservatory of Music. My California Teacher Credential in Secondary English Language Arts is from San Diego State University.
What makes me different from other consultants?
I find out what lights up my clients and encourage them to write about topics they really care about instead of what they think admissions officers want to read. They write in their own voice and tell their own stories. In an era of Artificial Intelligence and constantly changing expectations in the college process, one thing remains true: Admissions officers want to know who you are, how you’ve grown, and where you’re headed. Let’s get started.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At Step by Step Essay, we believe the best college essays are not manufactured—they are discovered.
Many students try to write what they think admissions officers want to hear. But the most powerful essays come from students who write honestly about what matters to them.
That’s why our process focuses on helping students:
Discover their unique stories
Write in their authentic voice
Develop meaningful reflections about their experiences
Craft essays that stand out in a competitive applicant pool
Instead of writing essays for students, we coach and guide them through the process, ensuring the final work is genuinely theirs while giving them the structure and feedback they need to succeed.
OUR APPROACH
College applications can feel overwhelming—for both students and parents. That’s why our process breaks the essay journey into clear stages.
Students work one-on-one with Stacey through:
Discovery: Understanding the student’s personality, goals, and experiences.
Story Development: Identifying meaningful topics and building the foundation of the essay.
Essay Refinement: Strengthening voice, clarity, and reflection to create a compelling narrative.
Strategic Applications: Crafting essays that align with each school’s expectations and prompts.
Through this guided approach, students gain not only a strong college essay but also valuable writing and self-reflection skills that benefit them far beyond the application process.
START YOUR JOURNEY
If your student is beginning the college application process, the best first step is a conversation.
Schedule a free discovery call to learn how Step by Step College Essay Prep can help your student craft an essay that stands out—and open doors to the colleges that fit them best.