Miriam Benjamin
Admissions Committee at University of Chicago
Worked at American Study
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About Miriam
I'm Miriam, a University of Chicago graduate (2018) with a degree in History and a minor in English & Creative Writing. I currently work in education in İstanbul, Türkiye, where I've been based since 2023. I love living abroad, meeting new people, and learning about the world! Prior to that, I have experience teaching ESOL in California, as well as working with prospective university students in Hanoi, Vietnam. I'm so excited to meet you and work with you on your college appliation essays.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I love working with young people and hearing their stories. The college essay writing process can be stressful, but it can also be a method of self-discovery, and a way to make sense of your life so far. Reading people's writing is another way to learn about the world, and that's the best part of my job!
Work Experience
Writing Tutor
American Study
October 2024 - January 2025
Guided Vietnamese high school students in crafting compelling supplemental essays and conducted mock interviews with students for admission into elite American universities. Developed and delivered a training program for American Study staff on the University of Chicago’s admissions process, equipping them with the knowledge need to effectively support prospective students.
English Language Instructor
British Side İngiltere'de Eğitim
October 2023 - June 2025
Equip learners with the English language speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills for targeted A2-B2 level coursework.
ESOL Tutor
Merritt College
September 2019 - May 2020
Collaborated with the head teacher to deliver engaging and effective basic English instruction to adult learners of other languages, primarily Spanish and Arabic speakers. Implemented strategies to foster cross-cultural understanding and create a cohesive environment within a multicultural classroom.
Education
University of Chicago
Bachelor's Degree, History
2014 - 2018
Admissions Committee Experience
I graduated from UChicago in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History (Honors), and a minor in English & Creative Writing. I won a Nicholson Center thesis grant, and my undergraduate thesis was submitted for the Karafiol Prize. I was also an Arts Editor at our school newspaper, The Chicago Maroon, and one of my longform criticisms received third place by the Illinois College Press Association. I worked for the University of Chicago Admissions Department from 2015-2018, where I learned about the ideal profile of a prospective student. Although I was focused on the logistics within the recruitment department, I spent time looking at students' essays and scores.