Who We Are
We are coaches whose practices as writers are essential to our coaching. We are also teachers responsive to the emotional experiences of writing. We model close attention and honest self-reflection.
How We Coach
We help student and adult writers to discover and tell their authentic stories. Teaching skills and inspiring insights, we establish the relationships through which writers find and refine their voices.
What We Do
We work with writers of all abilities on a wide range of projects, and specialize in college application essays. Through one-on-one mentoring and group workshops, we provide instructive companionship throughout the creative process.
Ways to Work with Hillside
Our coaching services reflect our belief in writing as a lifelong pursuit.
Our support for application-essay writers ranges from single exploratory sessions to comprehensive one-on-one courses.
We cultivate a lively and imaginative artistic connection that is serious about pursuing the art of writing with fun and inventive approaches.
Whether providing a new writer with instruction and inspiration or an established author with feedback and direction, we uncover opportunities for progress.
In live talks, webinars, and junior class workshops, founder Allan Reeder opens fresh ways of seeing and thinking for students embarking on college-app writing.
What Clients Are Writing About Hillside Support
I was blown away by what Hillside helped my son to accomplish. I wasn't privy to anything but the final work. His essay really captures his personality. I almost had tears reading it. He is not a kid who uses superlatives, but he raved about the assistance and advice. I can't thank you enough for all your help.Parent, Newbury, MA
Our son's writing has evolved so much! Thank you for helping him find his inner voice. I think he even surprised himself!Parent, Dedham, MA
Thank you so much for being an integral part of our daughter's growth and burgeoning intellect, for teaching her to weave together the different aspects of her life and articulate what they have taught her. What you do is powerful and a blessing to all of us. We are so thankful to have made this connection with Hillside.Parent, Goa, India
Thank you so much for all of your help, support, and encouragement in this challenging time for me. It meant a lot to know that you believed in me and in what I had to say. I will always laugh at that pessimistic kid who said he did not have anything to write about.Student, Lexington, MA
I really appreciate your focus on process. You've encouraged my daughter to slow down, and in doing so allowed space for reflection and self-discovery. I think that with teenagers, especially girls, the tendency is to deflect attention away from yourself. Looking inward is inherently more challenging.Parent, Sudbury, MA
You’ve been an invaluable mentor, kindling in me a passion not only for words but also for the often overlooked images in daily life and complexities in characters. Thank you for your meticulous and innovative coaching!Writer, Los Angeles, CA
My daughter had never had such one-on-one instruction, and I think your very thoughtful, gentle, and inquisitive approach to helping her express herself was a tremendous gift to give her. You always made her feel that her thoughts and impressions were important. I'm so thankful for the attention you paid.Parent, Wellesley, MA
Our son feels that his writing has improved enormously from working with you. His confidence has certainly been boosted. What a great experience for him!Parent, Belmont, MA
We are always spreading the word about the transformative experience you provide at Hillside!Parent, Cambridge, MA
The Latest from Hillside
Friendly Advice from Admissions Officers About Those “Extra” Essays
Writing supplement essays can feel daunting, but these questions really are a great opportunity to share more of your story with admissions officers. In the spirit of sharing, here are some of our favorite resources.
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Fall College-App Essay Support
Every fall, we hear from parents who tell us that — despite everyone’s best intentions — their senior didn't write a college-application essay during summer vacation. Or maybe they have a draft, but ... it could use some work! Our coaches can help students with essays at any stage.
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Seeds of an Essay
As a comedy writer, I’ve learned to expect ideas when I least expect them. The material for my ideas—the details and small interactions—to a comedian, these are gold. But learning to collect and consider these nuggets is also a key part of the essay-writing process.
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