Narrative building for college admissions with Tarun Mehrishi

The strongest applications aren't always from students with the best grades, biggest achievements, or longest activity lists.

They're written when students understand what they are actually communicating and can draw tired admissions officers - sick of seeing the same redemption arcs and high achieving lists - into their narratives.

I help applicants to US and UK universities find the story underneath their experiences and turn it into writing that is authentic and memorable.

A strong essay won't get you admitted on its own. But a weak one can absolutely keep you out. I ensure your essay becomes an asset rather than a liability.

Why Work With Me?

• Former commissioning editor at Penguin Random House India

• Author of two nationally distributed books, published by Penguin

• Worked with 23 students last admissions cycle; 18 were admitted to their first-choice university

• Experience across Common App, UCAS, and supplemental essays

• Detailed, line-by-line feedback focused on both writing and narrative strategy

What I Do

Most applicants start by asking "What do admissions officers want to hear?"

The better question is: "What is the most interesting thing that is true about me?"

I help students answer that question and build essays around it.

My process is simple but demanding. I don't just edit sentences. I look for the story that tells them about you and reshape the essay so every paragraph moves that story forward.

You'll receive:

• A candid assessment of what's working and what isn't

• Detailed line-by-line feedback with explanations

• Structural recommendations to strengthen flow and impact

• Guidance on identifying the moments, details, and insights that make an essay feel personal rather than generic

• Clear next steps for revision

This is best suited for students who want rigorous feedback, are comfortable revising on their own and are willing to push beyond the first obvious version of their story.