Why You Should Work with an Academic Advisor
Feeling stuck with college essays, research papers, or your dissertation? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
An academic advisor can help you stay on track, build confidence, and submit work that truly reflects your abilities—without the stress of navigating it solo. Whether you're tackling college applications or post-grad writing, having expert support makes all the difference.
What Does an Academic Advisor Do?
Not all academic advisors offer the same services. When you work with me, we can focus on:
▸ College Application Essays – Craft a compelling, authentic narrative that makes your application stand out.
▸ Graduate & Doctoral Writing – Get structured support for your thesis, research papers, or dissertation.
▸ Academic Writing Fundamentals – Strengthen your writing skills, whether for high school, AP Literature, or research projects.
I’ve been a high school teacher for over 12 years, and in 2023, I earned my Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). I’ve been through this process myself, and I’ve guided countless students through it, too. Now, I’m here to help you.
5 Reasons to Work with an Academic Coach
1. Get Personalized Support (Beyond AI & ChatGPT)
AI tools like ChatGPT can generate ideas and help with basic structure, but they lack the nuance, expertise, and real-time feedback that elevate good writing to great writing. Academic writing is more than just correct grammar—it’s about crafting a compelling argument, structuring ideas logically, and developing a voice that reflects your unique perspective.
That’s where human coaching makes all the difference. When you work with me, you don’t just get proofreading—you get a thought partner who helps you refine ideas, strengthen arguments, and build confidence in your writing.
Step-by-step guides on crafting strong college essays, research papers, theses, and dissertations—so you never feel lost in the process.
Exclusive templates to organize your writing, structure your argument, and streamline revisions.
Resource libraries covering everything from APA, MLA, and Chicago-style citations to literature review frameworks and academic formatting tips.
Instead of spending hours second-guessing your work, you’ll have a trusted expert to guide you, provide constructive feedback, and help you produce writing that truly represents your abilities.
2. Work with Someone Who’s Been Through It
Let’s be real—navigating college applications, research papers, or an advanced degree can feel overwhelming and isolating. There’s so much to juggle: deadlines, research, formatting rules, revisions, and the pressure to get it right. I know this because I’ve been through it myself.
I wrote my own dissertation and understand the frustration of revising chapters, getting feedback, and preparing for a defense.
I’ve worked with students for over a decade, helping them tackle college essays, academic research, and high-stakes writing.
I stay up to date on admissions trends—so you don’t have to. From Common App changes to what top universities are looking for, I make sure you have the most current, relevant information at your fingertips.
Whether you’re applying to undergrad, preparing a thesis, or working on your dissertation, you don’t have to waste hours Googling for answers or second-guessing yourself. I’ll help you navigate the system with confidence, so you can focus on producing your best work.
3. Reduce Overwhelm & Stay on Track
Deadlines have a way of sneaking up on you—especially when you're juggling multiple classes, applications, or research projects. Cramming at the last minute leads to stress, rushed writing, and missed opportunities for strong revisions.
When you work with me, we’ll break down big projects into clear, manageable steps so you always know what’s next. No more scrambling the night before a submission or realizing too late that you needed another round of edits.
Clear timelines & progress tracking – We’ll map out a realistic schedule that fits your workload, so you stay on top of every deadline.
Personalized planning strategies – Whether you thrive on structured checklists or need flexibility, I’ll help you find a system that works for your brain.
Reminders of key deadlines – No more missing submission dates or forgetting important milestones—I'll help you stay accountable.
Writing is a process, and with the right structure in place, it can be less stressful, more intentional, and even enjoyable (yes, really!).
4. Dedicated, Consistent Support
When you’re facing a big writing deadline, waiting days (or weeks) for feedback isn’t an option. Professors have full course loads, family members may not be experts in academic writing, and friends might not have the time to give your work the attention it deserves.
That’s where I come in.
Fast, reliable feedback – Send drafts or questions, and I’ll get back to you within two business days—no more last-minute panic.
Structured, ongoing support – Whether you need one-time essay feedback or long-term coaching for a dissertation, I’m here to help you stay on track.
A coach who actually knows your work – Instead of starting from scratch every time, I’ll be familiar with your goals, writing style, and academic requirements—so my feedback is tailored to you.
With dedicated support, you won’t have to second-guess your work or feel stuck without guidance. I’m here to help you write with confidence, stay accountable, and submit work you’re proud of.5. Someone to Celebrate with You
When you hit major milestones—submitting an essay, getting accepted, or finishing your dissertation—I’m here to celebrate with you!
5. Someone to Celebrate with You 🎉
Academic writing can feel isolating—long hours, endless revisions, and the pressure to get everything just right. But here’s the thing: your hard work deserves to be recognized.
When you hit a major milestone—whether it’s submitting a polished essay, getting into your dream school, or completing your dissertation—I’ll be right there, cheering you on.
Finished a strong first draft? Let’s celebrate that progress!
Got accepted to your top-choice university? I’ll be your biggest fan.
Finally submitted your dissertation? That’s a massive achievement, and I’m here to remind you just how far you’ve come.
Success isn’t just about deadlines and submissions—it’s about recognizing your growth, resilience, and dedication along the way. With a coach who truly cares, you’ll never have to celebrate alone.
Kolbe Ricks
Kolbe is an educator, researcher, and academic coach dedicated to making learning more inclusive and accessible. She specializes in college application essays, graduate-level writing, and curriculum design. With over a decade of teaching experience and a Doctor of Education, Kolbe helps students and educators thrive in academic spaces.
Ready to Work Together?
If you’re looking for academic coaching, let’s connect! Book a free call, and let’s get started!
