Academic Advising & Writing Coaching
One-on-one advising, writing coaching, and academic planning for learners at every stage — from high school students approaching college to doctoral candidates finishing their dissertations.
Schedule a Free Intro Call"Keep going through the fog. This is part of the process. Eventually, the fog will lift."
Nick Edward Pearce, Ph.D. (they/them) has over a decade of experience in American higher education — as a student, a Writing Center tutor, an Instructor of Record, a writing group coordinator, and an academic coach. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Indiana University and an M.A. in Religious Studies from Florida International University.
They know the terrain — the visible requirements and the hidden curriculum — and they want to help you navigate both.
The Approach
Every academic project requires two things working in concert. When both are firing, the work moves. When one stalls, everything slows. My job is to help you find and sustain both.
The most underrated ingredient in academic work is caring about it. One of my favorite pieces of feedback to give is "more of you." When a student's heart is beating through their work, they are far more likely to see it through. All academic projects should be, to some degree, passion projects — and it's my job to help you keep that connection alive through every stage of the process.
Connection to the topic provides the inspiration. Work ethic builds the architecture you need to keep applying energy toward that inspiration. This means blocking off time, protecting your mental and physical energy, setting realistic goals, and honestly considering how the project fits into the rest of your life. Not always inspiring work — but the work that actually gets things done.
What I Offer
Available to undergraduates, graduate and doctoral students, and learners outside of formal academic settings. All sessions conducted via Zoom or phone.
01 — New
For high school students ready to approach college with intention. AP exam support, college selection, application essays, and connecting your passions to a plan that actually makes sense for who you are. College admissions rewards students who can articulate what they care about — I help you find and develop that through line.
02
Where are you going, and does your current plan actually get you there? I'll work with you at every stage — from choosing a program to navigating the hidden curriculum of conference presentations, grant applications, and publication — making sure you're asking the right questions and that the answers are working for you.
03
One-on-one sessions covering everything from early-stage inspiration to in-the-weeds advice on a stuck manuscript. I'll help you set weekly, monthly, and longer-term goals calibrated to your actual work ethic — and build accountability structures that keep those goals realistic and achievable.
04
Academic life can be genuinely isolating. A structured writing group goes a long way. Two to five learners at similar stages of their work — dissertations, theses, term papers, grant applications — meet regularly for writing time, peer feedback, and skill-building. Community eases the stress that comes with most academic projects.
05
If you have a project at any stage of development — rough outline to near-complete draft — I'll evaluate it based on both where you want it to go and where your instructor, dissertation chair, or reviewer needs it to go. Not all of the rules in your field are written in stone, but it helps to know your terrain before you start making detours.
06
From your first seminar presentation to developing a full syllabus as an Instructor of Record for the first time. I'll help you organize your materials, build your syllabus, think through assessment, and prepare to present yourself and your knowledge in the classroom. The fear never fully goes away — but adequate preparation gives you something to stand on.
Transparent Rates
All engagements begin with a free 30-minute introductory call — no commitment required. Packages do not expire and can be used across service types.
| Service | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free Introductory Call | Free | 30 minutes — no commitment required |
| Individual Session | $100 / hour | One-on-one via Zoom or phone |
| 4-Session Package | $360 | Save $40 — best for short-term projects |
| 8-Session Package | $680 | Save $120 — best for dissertations & theses |
| Writing Group / Cohort | $60 / person per session | 2–5 participants; structured peer group format |
| Project Review (one-time) | $150 flat | Developmental feedback on a single document |
What People Are Saying
"He will bring his knowledge of the requirements for high quality academic work, excellent communication skills, and energy to any learner that makes the smart decision to bring him on board as part of their academic process."
Jennifer Price Mahoney
Former Interim Director, IUPUI University Writing Center
"Nick's extensive experience in higher education has equipped him with an ease of not only understanding the hidden curricula and cultures of graduate study, but also the skill to make those hidden processes and knowledges visible. I have recommended Nick to several friends as an editor, writing coach, and general cheering section."
Nicki Negrelli Coomer, Ph.D.
Former doctoral colleague, Indiana University
"Working with Dr. Nick Pearce has been one of the most grounding and transformative parts of my academic journey. Through their deeply humanistic and decolonized approach to mentorship, they helped demystify academic spaces that often felt intimidating and exclusionary. Their feedback is thoughtful, detailed, and incredibly sharp — and they do so in a way that leaves you feeling strengthened, edified, and more confident in your abilities as a writer and scholar."
Iman Lathan, Ph.D.
2025 NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellow
University at Buffalo, SUNY, Graduate School of Education
The first step is always a free 30-minute introductory call. We'll talk about where you are in your academic journey, what questions you're asking, and whether working together makes sense. No commitment, no pressure.
You can reach Nick directly at:
nickedwardpearce@gmail.com