Why Ecstawrite
“Our unique approach assures that students are secure in telling their honest stories, asking difficult questions, and writing from the heart.”
College admissions isn’t what it used to be.
The Challenge: an avalanche of applications
More than ever it’s a discouraging process: time consuming, writing- and data-dense, and increasingly selective (especially at the top-50). Even valedictorians can get overlooked when their written profile fails to compel.
- Over the last 20 years, applications to selective institutions have skyrocketed while acceptance rates have plummeted
- Comprehensive review now dominates admissions committees: GPA and test scores are not enough
- Essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars make or break applications
- Admissions officers often read 10+ essays per hour — standing out is non-negotiable
We prioritize four elements
Discovery
Through in-depth consultations, guided journaling, and coaching, students frame core experiences and values.
Storycraft
Students translate their stories into meaningful essays. We guide what’s appropriate for admissions readers.
Strategy
We build college lists and timelines that balance ambition and fit—along with family goals.
Reflection
Through submissions and decisions, students learn to reframe stress—growing in ways that prepare for college life.
Our ethos
We believe every student merits the guidance to discover, tell, and live their authentic story.
"There is power when young people trust their stories. We offer strategy and help shape narratives from the experience that every student has within them a bright future."
Authenticity and care
We teach students how to present their stories by listening deeply—not just polishing on the sentence level, but ensuring a depth that moves readers.
Context over perfection
Great schools don’t only reward flawless transcripts; they admit students who contribute to a larger community. We help students demonstrate commitments, growth, and character in each element of their application.
A gift mindset
Giving creates value. Our business leads with free online resources and introductory calls. When students feel trust, they open up and write authentically—and their applications show it.
Admissions as formation
We see admissions as preparation for higher learning. Students deepen reflection, uncover values, and summon courage to articulate their truths. Essays are not just hurdles to gain entry; they can be stepping stones for the future.
Our experience
With 50+ years combined experience, we offer a personalized approach to each student’s admissions journey.
Rick DiFeliciantonio
Former Enrollment VP for Admissions, Communication, and Financial Aid
– Director of Admissions & VP for Enrollment, Ursinus College
– Associate Dean of Admissions, Swarthmore College
– Contributor: The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, The Journal of College Admission
– University of Pennsylvania PhD ABD, English Composition & Writing
– IECA member
Gabriel DiFeliciantonio
College Essay and Youth Writing Educator
– 10+ years coaching creativity and storytelling to high-school students
– Students admitted to Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Penn, Cornell, Brown, Duke, Vanderbilt, Swarthmore, USNA, West Point
– National magazine editor: Tennis Magazine and Tennis.com
– Global experience in meditation, emotional intelligence, and empathetic pedagogy
– Swarthmore B.A., English Literature; PBK
– IECA member
Our Services
All-Inclusive
$700
per month · 15 months
- Continuous support: March (Jr) – May (Sr)
- Essays for up to 15 schools
- Comprehensive storytelling and strategy
- Visit strategy + college action plan
- Decision + financial aid support
Fine print
- Billing: Monthly subscription, automatically billed; cancel at any time.
- Timeline: Dates assume a traditional U.S. junior–senior timeline; we’ll adapt for your start date.
- Limitations & disclaimer: We do not guarantee admission to any school, or merit/financial aid in any amount; we do not do FAFSA consulting or test prep.