Essays worth checking out.
Profiles that hold up.
The Stacks is a two-person admissions editing practice. We help students build stronger essays and stronger applications through careful editing, honest feedback, and direct collaboration. Every draft is read by both of us. Nothing is outsourced.
Explore our services below, or browse each section for more detail.
What we offer
Four services, each designed around a different application system. Every student works directly with us from the first draft to the final version.
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Two editors. One practice.
The Stacks was started by two students who care about thoughtful editing over volume. We work with a limited number of applicants each cycle so every draft gets the attention it deserves.
Aaditya Das Narayan
Studies Applied Math, Economics & Politics. Probably listening to The Strokes while editing your essay.
Avi Shah
Studies Math & Physics. Unevenly splits his time between canvases, equations, and novels he swears he'll finish this month.
We work with a limited number of students each cycle. If we're fully booked, we'll let you know before you book.
Ready to get started?
Tell us what you're working on. Whether you have a finished draft or are just getting started, we'll get back to you within 48 hours.
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Straightforward, and organized by where you're applying.
Every package is read by both of us — ideation, drafts, and feedback delivered over Zoom and GDoc comments, not a form. Supplemental essays are priced off the college's published word limit, not your draft length: ₹10 per word, ₹1,200 minimum. All prices in ₹ (INR).
Profile Review
If you're not sure which applications to target, or just want an honest read of where you stand, start here.
Profile Review Session
A 45-minute Zoom call where we go through your academic record, activities, and rough essay ideas. You leave with a written summary of strengths, gaps, and a suggested application strategy.
Common App
For students applying to US universities through the Common Application.
CAPS — Full Package
The Common App Personal Statement, start to finish. We begin with an ideation document and a Zoom call to find the right angle, then work through two full drafts with one round of feedback per founder.
End-to-End Package
CAPS plus three supplemental essays. Full ideation-through-final-draft support across the whole application. Best for students who want consistent voice and strategy across every essay.
UC Personal Insight Questions
For students applying to University of California campuses. The UC system uses 8 Personal Insight Questions (PIQs); applicants answer 4.
Single PIQ
One Personal Insight Question, edited through two drafts with feedback from both founders. Includes a brief strategy note on which angle to take.
Full PIQ Package (4 questions)
All four PIQs, edited together for consistency of voice and strategy. We begin with a selection call to help you choose the right four questions.
UCAS Personal Statement
For students applying to UK universities through UCAS. The personal statement is a single 4,000-character essay.
UCAS Personal Statement
The UCAS personal statement, edited through two drafts. We start with a structure call — UK personal statements have a specific format that differs significantly from US essays.
A note on integrity
Our edits sharpen structure, clarity, and voice — they never write essays on a student's behalf. We don't retain drafts beyond the engagement, and nothing is shared without the student's consent.
Not sure which package fits?
Start with a Profile Review Session. It's the lowest-commitment way to get an honest read and a clear next step.
Two people, no packages.
We named ourselves after the library stacks where we both still spend far too much of our time. It's where we learned to read closely, think carefully, and take good writing seriously.
Aaditya Das Narayan
Studies Applied Math, Economics & Politics. Probably listening to The Strokes while editing your essay.
Avi Shah
Studies Math & Physics. Unevenly splits his time between canvases, equations, and novels he swears he'll finish this month.
How we work
Every draft is read by both of us. Feedback comes through detailed comments and a one-on-one call. We keep our practice small so every application gets the same level of attention.
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What we don't do
We believe good editing strengthens your writing without changing your voice. We don't write essays for students. We help them write better ones.
We don't write for you
We help you strengthen your structure, clarity, and voice. Every essay remains your own work.
We don't retain your work
Once we've finished working together, your drafts are deleted. We never share your work without your permission.
Every draft gets two readers
Every application is reviewed by both of us. Two readers, one shared set of feedback.
Ready to get started?
Send us a draft or a question. We'll get back to you within 48 hours with a quote and a plan.
Bring your draft to the desk.
We take a limited number of students each year. Send us a draft or a question and we'll get back to you within two days with next steps.
Tell us about your application
How it works
Email us a draft or a bit about where you're at.
We reply within 48 hours with a quote and a plan.
We schedule a first call and get to work.
Prefer email? Reach us directly.
We don't retain drafts beyond the engagement. Nothing you share is stored or used after the project closes.