Kim Lifton
She/Her
Kim Lifton

About

Kim Lifton is president and co-founder of Wow Writing Workshop (https://wowwritingworkshop.com/). Since 2009, Wow has been transforming the college essay experience from daunting and frightening to calm and empowering. In addition to working with students, Wow trains high school counselors, teachers, and independent consultants. Kim and co-founder/CEO Susan Knoppow are members or affiliates of many professional counseling organizations. A former executive speechwriter and trainer, Susan is also a published poet and essayist. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan and an MFA in Writing from Vermont College. Kim and Susan publish widely and are sought-after speakers for student and professional groups around the world. You can download a free copy of their book, How to Write an Effective College Application Essay at https://wowwritingworkshop.com/free-student-book/. They also manage a small team of top-notch writing coaches (https://wowwritingworkshop.com/about/).

Kim helped students get into:
University of MichiganAmerican University
Harvard UniversityStanford University
Princeton UniversityCornell University
Yale UniversityMichigan State University
University of Michigan
American University
Harvard University
Stanford University
Princeton University
Cornell University
Yale University
Michigan State University
Kim helps with…
UC Schools
Common App
Highly Selective College Admissions
College Applications & Essays
Royal Oak
35 years of experience
English
IECA | HECA | NACAC | MACAC
Business
Psychology
Education
History
Law
Political Science
International Relations
Communications
Journalism
Computer Science
Engineering
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Health
Food and Nutrition
Math
Philosophy
Linguistics
Creative Writing
Public Policy
Statistics
Athletics
First-Generation College Students
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Students with ADHD
Volunteering
STEM
Community Organizing
Non-Traditional Students
Transfer Students
International Students
English Literature
LGBTQ+ students
Next available sessions
According to your time zone (CUT)
Fun Facts
🖐
Describe yourself in five words
Perceptive. Creative. Kind. Resourceful. Curious.

🙏
Best piece of advice
Trust yourself!

💼
First job
Reporter, Ford Lauderdale News & Sun-Sentinel

💭
Dream job
The job I have right now!

📚
Favorite book
In Cold Blood, Truman Capote

📓
Favorite subject in school
Creative writing

Favorite after-school activities
Swim team, school newspaper

🎵
Favorite artist
James Taylor

📺
Favorite TV show
Outlander

🍴
Favorite food
Dill pickles

🪄
Hobbies
US Masters swimming, scrapbooking, listening to books on tape, advocating for a good cause, watching Netflix shows with my grown daughter

My process

The Wow Method is simple, with clear instructions to help you succeed. If you choose a private coaching package, your coach will help you build on your strengths and demonstrate your best qualities. All of our packages include everything you need to complete every writing task for any type of school. The only difference is the amount of one-on-one coaching and customization.

As Shawn Felton (Cornell University) said in the foreword to our book, “In all my years working at private and public selective institutions, I haven’t seen anyone go as deep as Kim or Susan to gather and share accurate information from me about the college essay and its role in all admissions. They ask me good questions and listen to my answers. It’s always been clear to me that at their core, they do this work because they care about helping students like you, and in the most ethical way. They care about the written word, how it is taught, and how to reveal and protect the authentic student voice. Your voice. That’s what I care most about, too.”

When we review essays, we look for specific information that admissions officers tell us they care about. A college essay should be effective. It does not have to be a piece of literary art. Your readers are not looking for perfection. We make suggestions for improvement in the margins, and we also point out where your essay works well. We read for clarity and consistency, focusing on content, structure, and polish.

Packages

Complete Coaching (Common App essay + resources)

0 minutes

Get the basics! Work one-on-one with a Wow coach to write your Common Application personal statement over a four-week period, then use our resources to complete the rest of your writing tasks on your own.
$1,250

Custom Coaching (private coaching for 1 school)

0 minutes

Our most valuable and popular package! Get all the writing support you need to apply to the college of your dreams, guided by a private coach. You’ll learn our ten-step method from the inside out, from brainstorming ideas through multiple drafts and final review. Includes writing exercises tailored to your unique needs, private video meetings with your coach, plus help with activity lists, additional information sections, and school-related scholarships.
$2,750

Premium Coaching (private coaching for 4 schools)

0 minutes

You deserve the best! Improve your chances of getting noticed inside the most selective admissions offices. You’ll enjoy peace of mind as we help simplify and streamline the most challenging aspect of the college application process. Your coach will support you from start to finish on every essay for four schools, helping you build on your strengths and demonstrate your best qualities. We’ll work together to build a customized, detailed plan and schedule for completing essays for all schools on your list in plenty of time.
$7,500

Advising hours

College admissions advising

$300.00 / 60 min

Set a focus for each session or get help with any aspect of the admissions process.


Essay review

Final Essay Proofread

$50.00 + 10 cents per word
Estimated return time: 14 hours

Description

We will review the essay for clarity and consistency, consistent punctuation, accurate spelling, and consistent use of numbers or numerals. We'll also pay attention to malapropisms and homonyms.If the writer uses collaborate instead of corroborate, we'll mark it and note the correct word. If you use bear/bare incorrectly, we'll do the same.


Single Essay Review

$125.00 + 25 cents per word
Estimated return time: 14 hours

Description

This is a more extensive essay review for students who want to make sure their essay is effective. We'll read for content, structure, and polish, paying attention to the information college admissions officers tell us they look for in a college essay. We'll make sure the writer has answered the prompt with a meaningful story that is reflective. We'll correct spelling and punctuation errors, let the writer know what works well, and make suggestions for improvement in the margins.

Recent reviews

5.0(9 reviews)

“Very useful commentary. You pointed out some specific things that could be improved and how, but you are still pushing the essay to do more, you are not doing it for her. Turnaround time was also great. Thanks! I am glad we reached out. -Brian"

BRIAN W.

“Kim's comments and feedback gave me the confidence that my essay was nearly ready for submission. Her notes were helpful in making some minor edits to ensure it was polished and complete. Thank you, Kim!"

Kaki C.

“Thank you for the time and thought you put into my essays. Your process has been informative and helpful. I also appreciated the quick turn-around. Your kindness abounds. "

Kafi B.
Join a quick meeting
Let’s chat
Any questions? Let’s hop on a quick call to learn more about your needs in the admissions process and how I can approach them
Join a quick meeting
Let’s chat
Any questions? Let’s hop on a quick call to learn more about your needs in the admissions process and how I can approach them
Royal Oak
35 years of experience
English
IECA | HECA | NACAC | MACAC
Business
Psychology
Education
History
Law
Political Science
International Relations
Communications
Journalism
Computer Science
Engineering
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Health
Food and Nutrition
Math
Philosophy
Linguistics
Creative Writing
Public Policy
Statistics
Athletics
First-Generation College Students
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Students with ADHD
Volunteering
STEM
Community Organizing
Non-Traditional Students
Transfer Students
International Students
English Literature
LGBTQ+ students
Next available sessions
According to your time zone (CUT)
Fun Facts
🖐
Describe yourself in five words
Perceptive. Creative. Kind. Resourceful. Curious.

🙏
Best piece of advice
Trust yourself!

💼
First job
Reporter, Ford Lauderdale News & Sun-Sentinel

💭
Dream job
The job I have right now!

📚
Favorite book
In Cold Blood, Truman Capote

📓
Favorite subject in school
Creative writing

Favorite after-school activities
Swim team, school newspaper

🎵
Favorite artist
James Taylor

📺
Favorite TV show
Outlander

🍴
Favorite food
Dill pickles

🪄
Hobbies
US Masters swimming, scrapbooking, listening to books on tape, advocating for a good cause, watching Netflix shows with my grown daughter
Tips for success
1. Prepare for your first session
Plan out the questions and topics you'd like to discuss. If you'd like to work together in the long term, discuss expectations for each other.