About Us
What We Do
Whitethorn Essays specializes in helping elite Chinese students gain admission to prestigious undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as competitive summer enrichment programs, across North America and Europe. Our team of bilingual expert writers and editors works closely with each student to craft compelling admissions essays and supplemental materials that showcase your unique voice, highlight your creative potential, and stand out to admissions committees. We are committed to creating polished, persuasive content that truly reflects who you are and where you’re going.
Who We Are
James Yates-Laughlin
James brings a rich and diverse background to Whitethorn Essays. After attending George Washington University and George Mason University, he began his career as a legal and technical writer for corporate law firms and trade associations in New York and Washington, DC. James spent fifteen years teaching at Xiamen University and the Kang Chiao International School in China. James currently lives and works in Washington, DC where he leads Whitethorn’s writing and editing team while also overseeing the company’s administration and financial management.
Hu Zeqian (胡泽骞)
Hu Zeqian, a native of Hunan Province, China, is a visual artist and curator based in both Shanghai and Washington, D.C. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Shandong University of Art & Design, Hu has showcased his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Asia, Europe, and North America. At Whitethorn Essays, Hu oversees communications with students and parents, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience throughout the admissions process.
Why Partner with Us
At Whitethorn Essays, we help elite Chinese students succeed in the highly competitive admissions process for top summer enrichment programs and prestigious undergraduate and graduate programs across North America and Europe. Here’s why families trust us:
● Deep Expertise in International Admissions
We know what makes an application stand out to top schools. Our team has in-depth knowledge of admissions expectations at institutions like Stanford, Oxford, Brown, UCL, RISD, and TASS. We understand what committees value—originality, clarity, purpose, and authenticity—and we use this insight to guide every draft.
● Bilingual Communication
Clear, efficient communication is key to success. Our bilingual (Chinese-English) writers and editors ensure that students and their families feel heard, understood, and supported at every stage. We bridge language and cultural gaps to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
● Personalized Essay Development
Every student is unique—and every essay should be too. We don’t use templates. Instead, we spend time getting to know each student’s story, personality, and goals. Then we help them craft authentic, engaging essays that reflect who they truly are and where they want to go.
● Cultural Insight
Western universities often value personal reflection, creative storytelling, and direct self-expression—styles that may differ from traditional Chinese academic writing. We help students adapt without losing their voice or integrity, making sure their applications resonate with Western readers while honoring their background.
● Strategic Positioning
Admissions is not just about telling your story—it’s about telling it the right way. We help students highlight the parts of their experience that matter most to each school, aligning their strengths with the values and vision of the institution they’re applying to.
● Professional Writing Standards
Our editing is meticulous. We refine structure, strengthen transitions, eliminate awkward phrasing, and polish grammar and style—ensuring every essay is clean, compelling, and ready for submission. The result: essays that are not only effective, but memorable.
● Proven Track Record
Our students have been accepted to some of the world’s most selective programs. From Ivy League universities to prestigious summer seminars like TASS and SSP, our success stories are proof of the power of well-crafted applications backed by expert guidance.
● Comprehensive Application Support
We assist with every part of the written application—not just the main essay. This includes supplemental questions, personal statements, artist statements, resumes, and letters of recommendation. Students receive cohesive, well-integrated documents that work together to present a clear and powerful case.
● Deadline and Time Management
We help students stay organized with a step-by-step writing process and detailed timelines. Whether it’s a tight summer program deadline or a graduate application due in three months, we keep students on track from first draft to final submission.
● Confidence and Peace of Mind
We know how stressful the admissions process can be—for both students and parents. When you work with Whitethorn Essays, you gain a trusted partner who is committed to excellence, understands the stakes, and works tirelessly to help your application succeed.