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Razi Hecker was a huge help in the process of writing my common app essay. He created an environment that was both supportive and intellectually engaging, which made the often stressful process of personal writing feel manageable and even enjoyable. Beyond being friendly, he also clearly showcased an excellent understanding of all steps of the writing process. From helping me brainstorm, to advising how to structure sentences/ideas in the most effective ways, not only did I finish with an essay I was proud to submit; I developed skills that continue to shape my writing today. I would strongly recommend working with Razi to anyone in need of help with writing.

Columbia Class of 29'! Razi is truly exceptional, and I cannot recommend him highly enough for anyone navigating the college admissions process. From the very first session, it was clear that he genuinely cares about his students and their success. What makes Razi stand out is his unique ability to be honest and direct when needed while still offering encouragement and unwavering support. He strikes a balance that many tutors struggle to achieve, pushing you to improve while making you feel confident and capable. With his guidance, I was able to completely transform my personal statement into something I was genuinely proud of. Razi didn’t just tell me what to do—he asked the right questions, encouraged me to reflect deeply, and guided me in framing my story in a way that truly showcased who I am. Thanks to Razi’s mentorship, I was admitted to Columbia University through early decision, my dream school! Razi inspired me and gave me tools that extend far beyond just one essay or one school. His influence on my writing, storytelling, and overall approach to presenting myself in essays has made a lasting impact. I’ve worked with other tutors in the past, but none of them has come close to providing the level of personalized and thoughtful guidance that Razi does. With him, it’s not just about getting your essays “done," it’s about taking them to a level where you truly feel content and proud of what you’ve written. I am deeply grateful for Razi’s support, honesty, and expertise. I owe much of my success in this process to him, and I am certain that any student fortunate enough to work with him will feel the same way.

Matched at my First Choice

I'm a fourth-year medical student, and I worked with Razi on my residency personal statement. Urology is one of the most competitive specialties — only about 76% of applicants match in any given year — so I knew my statement had to be perfect.

My problem was that I'm a clinical thinker. I could list my strengths, but I couldn't synthesize them into a story that actually reflected who I am. Razi didn't just edit my writing — he sat with me and asked the right questions to pull out things I never would have thought to include. The experience of my daughter's birth, my grandfather's illness, how Jewish ethics shaped my medical philosophy. He prompted me to go deeper into emotions and experiences I would've glossed over, and then helped me integrate my accomplishments in a way that felt natural instead of braggy.

The biggest shift was reframing the whole statement from "why I fit into urology" to "why urology fits into my life." I wouldn't have gotten there on my own. Razi has this ability to see the narrative you can't see yourself, and then walk you through building it piece by piece until it actually sounds like you — just the best version of you.

I matched at my first choice.