Expertise & Offerings

Hi, I'm Mike Cotter, a Harvard- and Yale-trained educator who helps students master high-stakes academic challenges—from AP exams to bar essays—with clarity, rigor, and depth. In all areas, I emphasize practical, integrated command of the subject at hand.

  • Whether you’re a 3L or a repeat taker, I’ll help you build a personalized study plan, develop practical and flexible command of the black-letter law, and sharpen your IRAC structure to maximize your MEE and MPT scores.

  • I help 1Ls and beyond build clarity and confidence in legal writing and core coursework. From mastering CRAC/IRAC to tackling case briefs, memos, and issue spotters, I offer targeted, supportive coaching grounded in Yale Law training and years of teaching experience.

  • From thesis statements to final papers, I help students master the demands of college-level writing and critical analysis. Whether you're tackling a history paper, research memo, or social science essay, I provide clear, actionable feedback and tailored support to help you think sharper and write with greater precision and impact.

  • I coach students through every stage of the admissions essay process — from brainstorming to polishing — helping them craft authentic, memorable writing that reflects their individuality. With experience from the Harvard Writing Center and years in the classroom, I know how to bring out each student’s voice.

  • AP Euro is a demanding course that requires students to engage with political, economic, intellectual, and cultural history. I help students navigate the course’s complexity by developing thematic understanding, drawing connections across topics, and sharpening DBQ and LEQ responses. As a Harvard-trained historian with years of experience teaching this course at a high level, I coach students to succeed not just on the test — but in understanding the forces that shaped modern Europe.

  • APUSH demands depth, nuance, and fluency in the particulars of the AP CED and Rubrics. I help students develop a practical and integrated understanding of relevant historical themes and guide students in crafting concise and incisive essays tailored to the demands of the College Board. As an experienced AP History teacher and Harvard-trained historian, my approach is grounded in the cutting edge of academic history.

  • Macroeconomics is the key to understanding the modern world. Too often, however, AP Macro feels like memorizing graphs in a vacuum. I help students truly understand the logic behind models and policies, so they can apply them flexibly and confidently on test day. With a clear, practical approach, I focus on FRQ structure, graphing skills, and economic intuition — the foundation for a lifelong understanding of economics

My Guarantee
I stand behind the quality of my services. If you're not satisfied with your first session or document review, I’ll refund your payment — no hassle, no fine print. I want every client to feel that their investment in Ivy Caliber is worthwhile.
- Mike Cotter

Credentials at a Glance:

  • Harvard College, A.B. in History, summa cum laude, 2014

  • Tutor, Harvard Writing Center, 2011-2014

  • Yale Law School, J.D., 2017

  • Admitted to Massachusetts Bar, 2017

  • AP European History, American History, and AP Macroeconomics Teacher, Medfield High School, 2017-Present

  • Medfield High School Inspiration Award Winner, 2019

  • 5.0 Star Rating on Wyzant.com

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Essay Review & Feedback

Detailed written feedback on academic and admissions writing — delivered in 48 hours

I offer detailed feedback on college essays, academic essays, law school memos, personal statements, and AP-level writing. You'll receive margin comments, suggestions for revision, and a short summary focused on clarity, structure, and argumentation — typically within 48 hours.

  • Up to 2,000 words - $200

  • Larger Projects - email mike@ivycaliber.org or fill out contact form below

Crafted by Hand, Not by Algorithm

Every edit you receive is made by me personally—meticulously and without the use of AI tools. Your work deserves the care and discernment that only a living, breathing expert can bring to bear. I promise to personally apply the highest standards of quality to your work, and to draw out your most authentic voice.

-Mike Cotter

Contact Me

Feel free to fill out this form or reach out at the email address below with any inquiries. Thanks!

mike@ivycaliber.org