Essays are a huge part of the college admissions process. At Annapolis College Consulting and College Sharks, Marcy Cowan leads the charge as we help students find their unique voice for their personal statement.
Marcy brings a wealth of experience and passion to Annapolis College Consulting. A graduate of Georgetown University and George Washington University School of Law, she spent over 30 years practicing regulatory law for major multinational companies in the DC and Atlanta areas.
For more than 20 years, Marcy has dedicated herself to guiding college-bound students through the essay process. As a gifted storyteller, author, screenwriter, and professional freelance writer, she especially loves helping students craft personal statements that truly capture their unique voices and stories.
Marcy is known for her warmth, practical advice, and deep knowledge—qualities her students consistently praise. Writing excellence runs in her family: her mother was her high school AP English teacher, instilling in her a lifelong mastery of language and mechanics. These are the skills that help to make the www.collegesharks.com/essay-corner and the ACC the best in the business.
Marcy’s personal connection to college admissions is profound. Her late husband, Keith—a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and GW law school classmate—shared her dedication to education. She has successfully guided her children to thrive at institutions like Oxford College, Emory University, Bennington College, and Colgate University.Whether working in person or virtually, Marcy is a trusted mentor and invaluable member of our College Sharks team, helping students tell their stories with clarity, confidence, and heart.
Check out our 6-video College Sharks Essay Clinic
On-demand. 6-videos no longer than 15 minutes each. The College Sharks will help you to write a KILLER ESSAY! www.collegesharks.com/essay-clinic
College Sharks College Essay Methodology
Our Essay Resource Team members are trained as college consultants and professional writers, so you can trust the process we use to help your student get the best essay results possible.
When we work with students on their college essays and personal statements, we use the following tried-and-true methodology that we’ve developed over the years:
Step 1 – Find the Right Essay Topic Through Brainstorming Exercises
Step 2 – Analyze the Prompts for The Student’s Targeted Colleges
Step 3 – Evaluate the Framework for the Topic and Chosen Prompt (Narrative v. Montage)
Step 4 – Identify the Student’s Traits/Personal Characteristics/Values Sought By Colleges for Integration Into the Essay
Step 5 – First Draft Review, Primarily Focused on Theme, Content and Organization (Based on Rubric Assessment). May include both narrative and in-text comments.
Step 6 – Second Draft Review, Primarily Focused on Theme, Content and Organization (Based on Rubric Assessment). May include both narrative and in-text comments.
Step 7 – Third Draft Review, Primarily Focused on Word Usage and Grammar (Based on Rubric Assessment).
Step 8 – Fourth Draft Review, In Most Cases a Final Polish.
Our Essay Resource Team members spend from 6 to 8 hours helping students with these steps before their essay is ready to be submitted with the application. If you want help one-on-one or on-demand, please contact us at lee@ananpoliscollegeconsulting.com
