Academic Institution Preparation
Applying to University? Let us help you with the application, and if English isn’t your first language, let’s prepare to show how much English you can successfully use!
English Writing for University Purposes
Many, but not all, universities will require written work in the course of the degree, and to show that you are capable of this, you need two skills. The first is the ability to show that you can produce a carefully and intentionally written admission application, and the second is the ability write clearly, coherently, and cohesively overall.
English Language Proficiency
If English is not your first language, universities in English language speaking countries require that you show sufficient English language skills to manage the coursework and degree. There are standardized proficiency exams for this purpose: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Testing of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
I've spent over two decades as an examiner, teacher, and trainer for IELTS, and have developed extensive materials to guide learners on preparing for this test, in all four sections - listening, reading, writing and speaking. I'm happy to help you get stronger in your English language skills to succeed on the exam, through both skill development and exam strategies.
Many universities require Band 7 or higher IELTS for admission - If you're stuck at 5.5 or 6, let's move the needle to a Band 7 or higher. We will get there with practice and strategies!
The only way to prepare for these elements is to understand the expectations and build strong foundations in the necessary skills. With applications, crafting personal statements is critical, and with language proficiency testing, the activities will balance between getting stronger in English while also building strategies to tackle the exams.
"I’m currently a junior studying Aerospace Engineering at Embry Riddle University and work part time as a writing tutor. Throughout almost all of my education, the help I’ve received from Tanja for essays, applications, and writing practices in general has been nothing short of phenomenal. In addition, with some coaching help, I was able to land an internship last summer at a well-known aeronautics company. But becoming a writing tutor is what surprises me. It’s funny; you know someone is good at what they do when they take someone who hates something and turns them into a passionate teacher of it. Writing and language used to be something that I never enjoyed, but through various pieces of literature that I learned to love and analyze with Tanja’s help, it began slowly unveiling a deep interest I never knew was there. The elegance of understanding what you write and editing your work when seeing someone else walk you through that process makes you really want to understand it yourself." Tim
"I was 'spinning my wheels' with IELTS to get the score I needed to study in the UK - I just couldn't get the target scores. When I decided to take some coaching with Tanja, I could see where I was weak and why I wasn't getting there. In listening and reading, I learned great ways to take notes, and how to structure my writing tasks. After two more tests, I got the scores I needed - but also continued improving my skills for a few months with Tanja. I reached my goal. " Ali
"Last year, my niece was stuck trying to do her early decision university applications. Tanja not only helped her figure out why she was struggling, but helped her to decide the topic and how to write her statement of purpose. She ended up getting into all her top choices, and decided to go to Yale. We're all immensely proud of her and thank Tanja for all her help in the process."- Sonia
"We contacted Tanja through a friend to work with our 6th grade son. He's in a middle school in South Korea, but we are hoping to send him to the US for high school. Tanja has been working with him to prepare his English for US study through literature, writing and speaking. She also helped to prepare him for school application interviews. We've enjoyed working with her and our son really enjoys his Zoom classes across the ocean." Paul and Betty, S. Korea