I'm Here to Help
I'm Lizette Alvarez— Writer, Journalist and Storyteller
I'm an award-winning journalist who has spent more than 30 years writing and reporting for major newspapers. I am currently an opinion writer for The Washington Post where I write columns about Florida and the multitude of issues that affect the state.
Prior to that, I spent 22 years at The New York Times, where I wrote about a vast array of topics: crime, housing, hurricanes, immigration, poverty, the justice system and military veterans during the Iraq war, to name a few.
I also covered Europe, New York City and Congress. I have won a number of prizes, from a team Pulitzer to a prestigious Polk award.
I am looking forward to using my skills now to help you get into the college of your choice. There is no better way of connecting to an admissions officer than a heartfelt, energetic and clearly written essay. Let's show them what you're made of!
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The Process
My job as a journalist taught me skills I can now use to make your College Application Essays stand out in unique ways. Those skills will help you transform your essays from vague to personal and from interesting to revelatory. By the time admission officers finish reading them, they will know what makes you tick, what sets you apart from the pack, what moves you and what drives you.
That's what I did every day as a journalist. I learned to find the story within the story. And I will help you do the same.
The process begins with a simple conversation between me and you. I will ask you about you, your life, friends, experiences, jobs, family, extra-curricular activities and the issues you care most about.
I know how to ask questions because I've done it professionally my whole life. I am naturally curious and empathetic and have always loved getting to know people.
The best stories are built on a strong narrative structure and memorable details. I will help you formulate those vital elements for your essay. At the same time, I will encourage you to find your voice, use vivid words and active tenses, and keep your sentences varied in length.
Writing short and being clear, without repetition, is a hard skill. No one knows that better than I do. A good editor always helped make my stories better. I am now your editor and I look forward to helping you present the very best…you. In the end, your essay will reveal something about who you are — be it your generosity, your intelligence, your dedication, your moral compass, your sense of humor or all of those things.
My best advice to students is simple:
Don't "write" an essay, tell a story. And EVERYONE loves a good story.
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Jennifer S., parent
"So glad we found Lizette. Not only is she fun to work with, she has razor sharp instincts and was great with our teenager."
Yamile S Castella, M.S.
"Lizette has done a wonderful job extracting ideas from students so they can craft powerful college essays. As a journalist, her probing questions help students find a unique and defining story that sets them apart from other seniors."
Maria W., parent
"Perhaps most importantly, Lizette speaks to teens in a direct yet respectful way that creates an atmosphere of productive dialogue. The results are students who are confident and satisfied with their work."
