Expert College Consulting Services
No matter your background, budget, or learning style, college is for you, and Gramma’s Jam can help you get there!
Expert College Consulting Services
No matter your background, budget, or learning style, college is for you, and Gramma’s Jam can help you get there!
Choose Your Flavor
Whether you’re a student or parent/family member, Gramma’s Jam has a plan that will work for your specific needs:
Private Coaching for Students
Do you learn best in a personalized setting? Sign up for one-on-one Zoom classes with Founder Jesse Shamshoian…
Workshops for Students
Want to know more about your college app journey? Join this three-hour Zoom workshop with your peers…
Workshops for Parents or Family Members
Learn more about your student’s college app journey in this three-hour, information-packed Zoom workshop...
Online Courses for Students
Are you looking for a self-paced program where you can work independently?...
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Countless schools to choose from. So many deadlines to meet. The daunting Personal Statement Essay. Supplemental Essays that seem to never end. Letters of Rec. Activity Lists… Ahhh, where do I even begin!?! It’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. Well, you’re not alone. Gramma’s Jam will help you get organized and guide you in the challenging but exciting journey you’re about to embark on!
Step 2: Time To Prep
With so many students who look exactly like you on paper (awesome GPA, high test scores, and impressive extracurriculars), it’s hard to stand out. You’re probably thinking to yourself, What’s unique about me? Gramma’s Jam will guide you through an essential self-reflection process, allowing you to better understand who you are and what makes you tick. The learnings you gain about the one-and-only you will help you stand out from the pack!
Step 3: Let’s Get Cookin’
Imagine. College admissions officers comb through thousands of applications every year, with most of them sounding pretty much the same. Time for you to jump off the page with your app, making that exhausted admissions officer feel as if you are there in the office with them sharing your genuine, one-of-a-kind story. With a pantry full of tips and tricks, Gramma’s Jam is your one-stop shop to take your college app to the next level.
Finally, Gramma’s Jam Is Ready!
Gramma’s Jam is committed to serving everyone seated at the College Admissions table. We can help if you’re a:
- Motivated student who is striving to get into a college that is a great fit for you
- Talented student who needs a little help in putting your unique story down on paper
- Caring parent or family member who could use some guidance navigating the complex college admissions and writing process
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Countless schools to choose from. So many deadlines to meet. The daunting Personal Statement Essay. Supplemental Essays that seem to never end. Letters of Rec. Activity Lists… Ahhh, where do I even begin!?! It’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. Well, you’re not alone. Gramma’s Jam will help you get organized and guide you in the challenging but exciting journey you’re about to embark on!
Step 2: Time To Prep
With so many students who look exactly like you on paper (awesome GPA, high test scores, and impressive extracurriculars), it’s hard to stand out. You’re probably thinking to yourself, What’s unique about me? Gramma’s Jam will guide you through an essential self-reflection process, allowing you to better understand who you are and what makes you tick. The learnings you gain about the one-and-only you will help you stand out from the pack!
Step 3: Let’s Get Cookin’
Imagine. College admissions officers comb through thousands of applications every year, with most of them sounding pretty much the same. Time for you to jump off the page with your app, making that exhausted admissions officer feel as if you are there in the office with them sharing your genuine, one-of-a-kind story. With a pantry full of tips and tricks, Gramma’s Jam is your one-stop shop to take your college app to the next level.
Finally, Gramma’s Jam Is Ready!
Gramma’s Jam is committed to serving everyone seated at the College Admissions table. We can help if you’re a:
- Motivated student who is striving to get into a college that is a great fit for you
- Talented student who needs a little help in putting your unique story down on paper
- Caring parent or family member who could use some guidance navigating the complex college admissions and writing process
What Students And Parents Are Saying About Gramma’s Jam
I reached out to Jesse to help me with my son’s college application process. He already had a great GPA, SAT score, etc., but really needed help presenting himself well in the college application and his college essays. My son kept saying he had nothing significant to write about, and we were at a standstill for a few months. After his first meeting with Jesse, my son’s confidence was boosted, and he was motivated to get to work! Jesse went out of his way to accommodate my son, although he already had a very busy schedule. Jesse is an excellent communicator and coach, and he extracted the best essay topics and content from my son. I was blown away with the final essays. They were real, personal, insightful, and vulnerable—the final application was a perfect representation of my son as a student and person. My son loved working with Jesse and said he was “really awesome.” We just found out two days ago my son got accepted into the University of Michigan, his dream school!! We are so grateful for Jesse’s help and highly recommend working with him!!
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Parent
As a student who has used many online educational engines and platforms, I can say that the learning environment on Gramma's Jam couldn't have been better! The online courses are a user-friendly, three-in-one program with the option to watch videos, use the sound like a background audiobook, or just read the transcript. It's perfect for any learning style, and the content is extremely useful. Highly recommend!
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Student
Jesse is an excellent coach! He guided my daughter through the college application essay process, challenging her to think of ideas that showed her personality, patiently reviewing her numerous essay iterations, and motivating her to cross the finish line as deadlines drew closer. Due to his expert guidance and tutoring, she got into Princeton and Brown universities, which were her top two college choices. I highly recommend Jesse!
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Parent
The teachings from Gramma’s Jam were a lifesaver when it came to my college apps. From discussing the heart of where I really wanted to go and why to helping structure and format my essays, Jesse helped me build a great college list and write essays that I was actually excited to share. With his help, I got into USC and NYU. GJ is a fantastic resource!
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Student
The free online courses do an excellent job covering everything you'll need to know to write some of the most competitive and polished college applications possible. Gramma’s Jam has done a fantastic job replicating the benefits of 1-on-1 tutoring in a self-paced format.
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Student
I reached out to Jesse to help me with my son’s college application process. He already had a great GPA, SAT score, etc., but really needed help presenting himself well in the college application and his college essays. My son kept saying he had nothing significant to write about, and we were at a standstill for a few months. After his first meeting with Jesse, my son’s confidence was boosted, and he was motivated to get to work! Jesse went out of his way to accommodate my son, although he already had a very busy schedule. Jesse is an excellent communicator and coach, and he extracted the best essay topics and content from my son. I was blown away with the final essays. They were real, personal, insightful, and vulnerable—the final application was a perfect representation of my son as a student and person. My son loved working with Jesse and said he was “really awesome.” We just found out two days ago my son got accepted into the University of Michigan, his dream school!! We are so grateful for Jesse’s help and highly recommend working with him!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parent
As a student who has used many online educational engines and platforms, I can say that the learning environment on Gramma's Jam couldn't have been better! The online courses are a user-friendly, three-in-one program with the option to watch videos, use the sound like a background audiobook, or just read the transcript. It's perfect for any learning style, and the content is extremely useful. Highly recommend!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Student
Jesse is an excellent coach! He guided my daughter through the college application essay process, challenging her to think of ideas that showed her personality, patiently reviewing her numerous essay iterations, and motivating her to cross the finish line as deadlines drew closer. Due to his expert guidance and tutoring, she got into Princeton and Brown universities, which were her top two college choices. I highly recommend Jesse!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parent
The teachings from Gramma’s Jam were a lifesaver when it came to my college apps. From discussing the heart of where I really wanted to go and why to helping structure and format my essays, Jesse helped me build a great college list and write essays that I was actually excited to share. With his help, I got into USC and NYU. GJ is a fantastic resource!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Student
The free online courses do an excellent job covering everything you'll need to know to write some of the most competitive and polished college applications possible. Gramma’s Jam has done a fantastic job replicating the benefits of 1-on-1 tutoring in a self-paced format.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Student
I reached out to Jesse to help me with my son’s college application process. He already had a great GPA, SAT score, etc., but really needed help presenting himself well in the college application and his college essays. My son kept saying he had nothing significant to write about, and we were at a standstill for a few months. After his first meeting with Jesse, my son’s confidence was boosted, and he was motivated to get to work! Jesse went out of his way to accommodate my son, although he already had a very busy schedule. Jesse is an excellent communicator and coach, and he extracted the best essay topics and content from my son. I was blown away with the final essays. They were real, personal, insightful, and vulnerable—the final application was a perfect representation of my son as a student and person. My son loved working with Jesse and said he was “really awesome.” We just found out two days ago my son got accepted into the University of Michigan, his dream school!! We are so grateful for Jesse’s help and highly recommend working with him!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parent
I reached out to Jesse to help me with my son’s college application process. He already had a great GPA, SAT score, etc., but really needed help presenting himself well in the college application and his college essays. My son kept saying he had nothing significant to write about, and we were at a standstill for a few months. After his first meeting with Jesse, my son’s confidence was boosted, and he was motivated to get to work! Jesse went out of his way to accommodate my son, although he already had a very busy schedule. Jesse is an excellent communicator and coach, and he extracted the best essay topics and content from my son. I was blown away with the final essays. They were real, personal, insightful, and vulnerable—the final application was a perfect representation of my son as a student and person. My son loved working with Jesse and said he was “really awesome.” We just found out two days ago my son got accepted into the University of Michigan, his dream school!! We are so grateful for Jesse’s help and highly recommend working with him!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parent
As a student who has used many online educational engines and platforms, I can say that the learning environment on Gramma's Jam couldn't have been better! The online courses are a user-friendly, three-in-one program with the option to watch videos, use the sound like a background audiobook, or just read the transcript. It's perfect for any learning style, and the content is extremely useful. Highly recommend!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Student
Jesse is an excellent coach! He guided my daughter through the college application essay process, challenging her to think of ideas that showed her personality, patiently reviewing her numerous essay iterations, and motivating her to cross the finish line as deadlines drew closer. Due to his expert guidance and tutoring, she got into Princeton and Brown universities, which were her top two college choices. I highly recommend Jesse!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parent
The teachings from Gramma’s Jam were a lifesaver when it came to my college apps. From discussing the heart of where I really wanted to go and why to helping structure and format my essays, Jesse helped me build a great college list and write essays that I was actually excited to share. With his help, I got into USC and NYU. GJ is a fantastic resource!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Student
The free online courses do an excellent job covering everything you'll need to know to write some of the most competitive and polished college applications possible. Gramma’s Jam has done a fantastic job replicating the benefits of 1-on-1 tutoring in a self-paced format.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Student
I reached out to Jesse to help me with my son’s college application process. He already had a great GPA, SAT score, etc., but really needed help presenting himself well in the college application and his college essays. My son kept saying he had nothing significant to write about, and we were at a standstill for a few months. After his first meeting with Jesse, my son’s confidence was boosted, and he was motivated to get to work! Jesse went out of his way to accommodate my son, although he already had a very busy schedule. Jesse is an excellent communicator and coach, and he extracted the best essay topics and content from my son. I was blown away with the final essays. They were real, personal, insightful, and vulnerable—the final application was a perfect representation of my son as a student and person. My son loved working with Jesse and said he was “really awesome.” We just found out two days ago my son got accepted into the University of Michigan, his dream school!! We are so grateful for Jesse’s help and highly recommend working with him!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parent
As a student who has used many online educational engines and platforms, I can say that the learning environment on Gramma's Jam couldn't have been better! The online courses are a user-friendly, three-in-one program with the option to watch videos, use the sound like a background audiobook, or just read the transcript. It's perfect for any learning style, and the content is extremely useful. Highly recommend!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Student
Jesse is an excellent coach! He guided my daughter through the college application essay process, challenging her to think of ideas that showed her personality, patiently reviewing her numerous essay iterations, and motivating her to cross the finish line as deadlines drew closer. Due to his expert guidance and tutoring, she got into Princeton and Brown universities, which were her top two college choices. I highly recommend Jesse!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parent
The teachings from Gramma’s Jam were a lifesaver when it came to my college apps. From discussing the heart of where I really wanted to go and why to helping structure and format my essays, Jesse helped me build a great college list and write essays that I was actually excited to share. With his help, I got into USC and NYU. GJ is a fantastic resource!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Student
The free online courses do an excellent job covering everything you'll need to know to write some of the most competitive and polished college applications possible. Gramma’s Jam has done a fantastic job replicating the benefits of 1-on-1 tutoring in a self-paced format.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Student
I reached out to Jesse to help me with my son’s college application process. He already had a great GPA, SAT score, etc., but really needed help presenting himself well in the college application and his college essays. My son kept saying he had nothing significant to write about, and we were at a standstill for a few months. After his first meeting with Jesse, my son’s confidence was boosted, and he was motivated to get to work! Jesse went out of his way to accommodate my son, although he already had a very busy schedule. Jesse is an excellent communicator and coach, and he extracted the best essay topics and content from my son. I was blown away with the final essays. They were real, personal, insightful, and vulnerable—the final application was a perfect representation of my son as a student and person. My son loved working with Jesse and said he was “really awesome.” We just found out two days ago my son got accepted into the University of Michigan, his dream school!! We are so grateful for Jesse’s help and highly recommend working with him!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parent
Meet Our Founder Jesse
Jesse Shamshoian, the founder of Gramma’s Jam, is an Independent Educational Consultant who is passionate about helping students reach their fullest potential, both academically and personally.
The College Application Essay Mindset: The Essential Guide For Writing Impactful Personal Statements And Supplements
Gramma’s Jam services are rooted in the tools, strategies, and principles introduced in Jesse’s highly-regarded pocketbook.
“The College Application Essay Mindset acknowledges that the personal essay is a key determinant in whether a student is admitted or turned down by a highly selective university. But it suggests something more profound. It suggests that students take this opportunity to paint a self-portrait describing not only what they look like superficially but who they are beneath the surface – their strengths, their weaknesses, their values, their uncertainties, their beauty, their flaws.”
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Pat Hayashi
Former Associate Chancellor of Admissions and Enrollment at UC Berkeley and Former Associate President of the UC System
Dr. Hayashi conceived of and oversaw the introduction of holistic admissions at UC Berkeley and later guided all other UC campuses in adopting this approach to the admissions process.
The College Application Essay Mindset: The Essential Guide For Writing Impactful Personal Statements And Supplements
Gramma’s Jam services are rooted in the tools, strategies, and principles introduced in Jesse’s highly-regarded pocketbook.
Dr. Hayashi conceived of and oversaw the introduction of holistic admissions at UC Berkeley and later guided all other UC campuses in adopting this approach to the admissions process.
“The College Application Essay Mindset acknowledges that the personal essay is a key determinant in whether a student is admitted or turned down by a highly selective university. But it suggests something more profound. It suggests that students take this opportunity to paint a self-portrait describing not only what they look like superficially but who they are beneath the surface – their strengths, their weaknesses, their values, their uncertainties, their beauty, their flaws.”
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Pat Hayashi
Former Associate Chancellor of Admissions and Enrollment at UC Berkeley and Former Associate President of the UC System
Start Jammin’ On Your College App Journey Now
Your junior and senior years are busy enough, so get to work on your college apps now! By starting early, you will avoid getting overwhelmed by everything else you have going on. Most importantly, you will be able to devote the time you need to reflect on what you genuinely want out of your college experience and to craft impactful and polished college apps that you are proud of!
