What should I look for when trying to find a college essay coach?
I'm starting to work on my personal statement, and it feels really overwhelming. I know some people use essay coaches, but I'm not sure how to go about finding a good one or what I should be looking for in terms of qualifications, experience, etc.
For those who have used essay coaches, how did you find yours? Did you use someone recommended by your school, or through a service online? What questions should I ask before hiring one? Any red flags? I really want the help, but I also don't want to waste my money on something that might not be legit or helpful.
It would be cool to hear about specific experiences (good or bad) and if you think having a coach made a big difference for your essays.
For those who have used essay coaches, how did you find yours? Did you use someone recommended by your school, or through a service online? What questions should I ask before hiring one? Any red flags? I really want the help, but I also don't want to waste my money on something that might not be legit or helpful.
It would be cool to hear about specific experiences (good or bad) and if you think having a coach made a big difference for your essays.
4 months ago
•
9 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Finding the right college essay coach can make the whole process much less stressful, but there are definitely some things to keep in mind as you decide who to work with. First, look for someone who has experience not just with strong writing, but specifically with college admissions essays. This means they should understand what admissions committees are looking for and be able to coach you on how to make your own story stand out.
Qualifications to look for include previous admissions office experience, backgrounds in college counseling, or a solid track record of students admitted to competitive schools. Also, check if they have sample essays they've helped edit or testimonials from past clients. If you’re working with someone recommended by your school, ask why they’re being recommended and if you can talk to past students who worked with them.
A few questions to ask before hiring:
- What is your process like (do they brainstorm with you, edit drafts, give line-by-line feedback)?
- How many students do you work with each season?
- Can you describe your experience with essays for schools on my list?
- Do you edit for content and grammar, or just one or the other?
- What’s your turnaround time for drafts?
Personal experience example: My friend worked with a coach who was an English teacher. The coach was amazing at fixing grammar but less helpful about the overall narrative and the unique angle her essay needed. After switching to someone who had actually been an admissions reader at a selective college, she found the feedback more helpful for making her story pop.
A few red flags: If the coach promises to get you into a top school, or offers to write the essay for you, walk away. Ethical coaches help you find your authentic voice, not manufacture one. Also, be wary if the service is very vague about who is providing the advice or refuses to give you a clear explanation of their methods.
Having the right coach can absolutely help you strengthen your essays—especially with honesty, structure, and making sure your personality shines through. But the main goal is for them to help you, not rewrite your story.
If you can, meet for one session first, see if you click, and then commit. That'll help you get a sense of whether their guidance feels tailored for you. Good luck with your writing!
Qualifications to look for include previous admissions office experience, backgrounds in college counseling, or a solid track record of students admitted to competitive schools. Also, check if they have sample essays they've helped edit or testimonials from past clients. If you’re working with someone recommended by your school, ask why they’re being recommended and if you can talk to past students who worked with them.
A few questions to ask before hiring:
- What is your process like (do they brainstorm with you, edit drafts, give line-by-line feedback)?
- How many students do you work with each season?
- Can you describe your experience with essays for schools on my list?
- Do you edit for content and grammar, or just one or the other?
- What’s your turnaround time for drafts?
Personal experience example: My friend worked with a coach who was an English teacher. The coach was amazing at fixing grammar but less helpful about the overall narrative and the unique angle her essay needed. After switching to someone who had actually been an admissions reader at a selective college, she found the feedback more helpful for making her story pop.
A few red flags: If the coach promises to get you into a top school, or offers to write the essay for you, walk away. Ethical coaches help you find your authentic voice, not manufacture one. Also, be wary if the service is very vague about who is providing the advice or refuses to give you a clear explanation of their methods.
Having the right coach can absolutely help you strengthen your essays—especially with honesty, structure, and making sure your personality shines through. But the main goal is for them to help you, not rewrite your story.
If you can, meet for one session first, see if you click, and then commit. That'll help you get a sense of whether their guidance feels tailored for you. Good luck with your writing!
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)