You do not need to have everything figured out to begin but you need a clearer way to see what is already there.
That is where we start.
You have more than you think.
We help you put it together.
Essays. Direction. Application Strategy.
WELCOME TO STUDIO SB
For over a decade, I’ve worked with students and families navigating the pressure, uncertainty, and complexity of college applications.
Many of the students I work with are bright, capable, and full of possibility.
They are also often overwhelmed.
They overthink.
They delay.
They second-guess themselves.
They worry they do not have a clear story, a clear direction, or anything particularly impressive to say.
I know these students well.
I help them organize what is already there, connect experiences that may feel scattered, and build stronger applications through clearer thinking, better writing, and more thoughtful strategy.
A 12-Month Framework for Junior and Senior Year (downloadable lead magnet)
Writing is not just something students do at the end. Through conversation, brainstorming, and drafting, they often begin to understand themselves more clearly—what matters to them, what has shaped them, and how to express that with more confidence.
Classes, summers, activities, interests, and essays can feel scattered when students look at them separately. I help them connect those pieces, see the larger pattern, and shape a more thoughtful, coherent application.
Strong applications are rarely built on scores alone. They come from depth, initiative, relationships, and a student’s ability to present their experiences with clarity, substance, and direction.
The Runway is my bigger-picture framework for helping students build direction, develop interests, and create meaningful momentum long before applications are due.
The Place Method is my practical approach to personal essays, helping students begin somewhere concrete rather than waiting for the perfect idea.
Essay workshops, strategy tools, Unslack, and practical guides designed to help students think more clearly and move forward.
You are bright, but unsure how to present yourself
You have done a lot, but it feels disconnected
You keep delaying your essays because the task feels too big
You are not sure what to study yet
You want thoughtful guidance, not generic pressure
You need help turning ideas into action
I can safely say that if I didn’t work with Sofia, I would’ve made the wrong choice in colleges. Throughout the entire process, from October to May, Sofia constantly kept in touch through calls, emails, and in-person meetings. She listened without any judgment, and I always felt like what she wanted was the best for me. Even if it was difficult to say it out loud, Sofia told me her opinions frankly and pushed me (in the right way) through my stubbornness. I remember being surprised at the speed and detail with which Sofia responded. If I had to go through the college process again, I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone other than Sofia.
— University of Chicago
I can safely say that if I didn’t work with Sofia, I would’ve made the wrong choice in colleges. Throughout the entire process, from October to May, Sofia constantly kept in touch through calls, emails, and in-person meetings. She listened without any judgment, and I always felt like what she wanted was the best for me. Even if it was difficult to say it out loud, Sofia told me her opinions frankly and pushed me (in the right way) through my stubbornness. I remember being surprised at the speed and detail with which Sofia responded. If I had to go through the college process again, I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone other than Sofia.
— University of Texas
She is very knowledgeable about every type of college essay and always offered valuable insight to improve my writing. Regardless of where you stand in the college process, Sofia will help strengthen your essays to be the best they can be. She helped me hone in on the important aspects of my essay to convey who I really am to admissions officers and offered amazing advice to craft my essay into a beautiful piece. Not only was I able to write a great essay, but I was also able to learn so much about myself through the process. I loved how Sofia was supportive and always listened to my ideas. Thank you so much for everything Sofia!
— Georgetown University
Working with Sofia was very easy yet highly effective. You kind of understand that great results don’t have to come with painful experiences. She let me be the master of my essay and never tried to force anything out of me that I didn’t want to write. At times it felt like maybe one idea wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do, but when I suggested change, she was all for it. The college essay is something that gives many kids a hard time but working with Sofia made this experience fun and effective.
— Syracuse University
I think it is mostly thanks to you that I decided to go to Middlebury, and I truly feel that was the right choice all along. Because of you, I was able to stop overthinking everything and simply focus on which college felt most “right” for me. Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, and encouraging me to trust myself. I cannot thank you enough for all your help during the college application process.
— Middlebury College
She gave me wonderful advice and sometimes stern encouragement when I needed it. I always know I can turn to her for honest feedback.
— Georgetown University
In an application process that requires one to go through deep introspection, working with Sofia helped me ask myself all the right probing questions. Writing about what matters most to me and summarizing my previous experiences was often a long process with many iterations, and Sofia was always present for any kind of brainstorming I needed and gave me new, valuable perspective every time. Sofia was always honest and detailed in her feedback, giving me feedback like family and I really valued that.
— Harvard University
It is impossible for me to forget your role in my career. You have been incredibly supportive of my development since the beginning. I still remember how you opened my eyes and showed me how to write an essay. It wasn’t just an essay for me, but it was a process of reflecting on my experiences and learning from them. It was an important point in my lie when I got a better understanding of who I was, what were my goals and my decisions… Thank you for believing in me when I was in doubt…
— Syracuse University
The students who would benefit most from your work the most are students like me, the ones with a lot of ideas but trouble bringing them out. Before speaking to you, the entire college process was unapproachable in my mind. Your insight, along with your plethora of tools, allowed me to advance step-by-step through this process. Before I knew it, I had finished everything that used to cause me stress. This was especially helpful while writing essays. You brought me from staring at an empty google doc, stressed about what to write, to put words on the page. I don’t know what I would have done without your help.
— Vassar College
Thank you so much for helping me through the very long and tedious college application process…that meant a lot to me. Please let us know when we can get together so I can thank you properly…
— North Carolina University
That is where we start.
FREE State of Admissions Report: a Glimpse at What Counts in College Admission
We help students craft outstanding essays and applications. Period.
We do that by guiding them and their families through a mindful exploration of activities, projects, and college lists.
Most of all, we make sure our students discover and uplevel their strengths and interests so they see themselves as problem-solvers and change-makers.
Write essays that leave you feeling smarter, stronger, and more confident in yourself and your future.
Discover schools, majors, and activities. Uncover new interests, develop the courage to pursue your ideas, and take a leap.
Complete the college application process knowing that you can achieve awesome success without sacrificing well-being, relationships, and integrity.
Our 9th-12th grade programs are not just about getting into college. In fact, we do not talk about college until late in the game, i.e. sometime in junior year. Instead, our 9-12 programs focus on nurturing intellectual curiosity, academic and personal enrichment, intrinsic motivation, and the path from curiosity to action.
I will meet you wherever you are on your personal and educational journey. Whether you are a freshman or a senior in high school who is thinking about starting the college application process or, perhaps, you are stuck on a strange prompt for an essay, I will support you with the big and small tasks on your list. I fill in the blanks – whether it is to inspire you to write your powerful personal essay, help you design a fun and productive summer, or come up with your best college list.
Founder, Studio SB | College Application Coach
PREPARE AND SUBMIT KNOCKOUT APPLICATIONS
Program
Program
Program
Prices range from $500 to $12,500
Hourly work and consultations are $250 unless complimentary.
Every year, Sofia works with two scholarship students from the Matchlighters program and other organizations
supporting underserved students. She also offers family-and-friends discounts.
Sofia is a coach at the College Essay Guy.
“If I had to go through the college process again, I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone other than Sofia.”
I can safely say that if I didn’t work with Sofia, I would’ve made the wrong choice in colleges. Throughout the entire process, from October to May, Sofia constantly kept in touch through calls, emails, and in-person meetings. She listened without any judgement, and I always felt like what she wanted was the best for me. Even if it was difficult to say it outloud, Sofia told me her opinions frankly and pushed me (in the right way) through my stubbornness. I remember being surprised at the speed and detail with which Sofia responded. If I had to go through the college process again, I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone other than Sofia.
Sofia Blake works with high school students who are confused or overwhelmed with the college application process and feel stuck at the beginning, middle or end of it. She helps students gain clarity, confidence, and motivation to write their best essays and prepare an outstanding package to get into the college of their dreams.
As someone who struggled earlier in life to discover who she was, what she wanted, and how to get it, Sofia knows firsthand the power of finding the motivation and actions to get where you want to be in life. Studio SB programs reflect years of helping students find their core strengths, overcome difficulties and prepare for successful college and professional lives.
Sofia is an essay coach for the College Essay Guy. She is also the author of the book Journeys of the Heart. She is the founder of Padi Internship Program and a number of educational and entrepreneurship initiatives. She holds a B.A. from Brown University, an M.A. in Political Science from L’Institut des Sciences Politiques and an MSFS from Georgetown University.
Originally from Bulgaria, Sofia has lived in Tunisia, India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. In her spare time, she enjoys her three daughters and husband, friends, and travel. She would love to have more time to hike, play bridge, and fence (she’s only fenced once🙂). She commits to building daily mindfulness practices and finding more fun activities to enjoy her extraordinary life.
Sofia has worked with both parents and students to set goals, find opportunities to work, volunteer and study, choose the right college, overcome personal setbacks and recognize the importance of optimal health, positive relationships and unshakable self-esteem. Discover how Studio SB programs can help your child get into the college where they will thrive and live their own amazing life.
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