Should I hire a college application essay writer?
I've been hearing a lot about people using college essay writing services or even hiring professionals to help with their application essays. I'm a senior right now and struggling with my Common App essay. My English teacher said it's important for my voice to come through, but my drafts sound either boring or fake to me.
My parents think it wouldn't hurt to get advice from an outside writer, but I'm not sure if that's allowed, or if it will look bad if admissions counselors find out. Has anyone here actually paid for an essay writing coach, or used a service? Was it worth it, and did you feel like it helped you or just made you more stressed?
My parents think it wouldn't hurt to get advice from an outside writer, but I'm not sure if that's allowed, or if it will look bad if admissions counselors find out. Has anyone here actually paid for an essay writing coach, or used a service? Was it worth it, and did you feel like it helped you or just made you more stressed?
6 months ago
•
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Roger Lopez
• 6 months ago
Advisor
It's completely understandable to feel a lot of pressure when working on your college essays—you're definitely not alone. The difference between getting guidance and having someone else write your essay is important. Most colleges want to see your authentic voice, because it helps them understand who you are. If an essay reads as overly polished, generic, or misaligned with the rest of your application, admissions officers might suspect that you didn’t write it yourself.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with seeking outside help for brainstorming, editing, or feedback, as long as the final product and ideas are yours. English teachers, counselors, and professional essay coaches can help you clarify your ideas and strengthen your writing without taking over your story. Some services offer step-by-step coaching or detailed feedback—like pointing out where you could show rather than tell, or helping you pick a more engaging angle for your topic. For instance, if your draft feels boring, an experienced coach might encourage you to focus on a single vivid moment or use more sensory details, so your essay pops with your personality.
Where things get risky is when someone else writes your essay for you, or makes big rewrites that change your message or style. That’s not just frowned upon; it can violate school honor codes if discovered. Colleges have ways to spot writing that doesn’t match a student’s academic record. But getting advice on structure, flow, or grammar is totally within normal boundaries and is very common.
If you do work with someone, make your expectations clear: you want help bringing out your best ideas and voice, not erasing them. Some people find working with a coach boosts their confidence, but for others it feels stressful if they think their writing is being taken over. A good coach will support your vision rather than replace it.
If you’re just looking for honest feedback and guidance, that usually doesn’t raise any ethical concerns. But always trust your instincts—if outside help ever makes you feel like your essay isn’t yours anymore, it’s okay to step back and rely on your own voice. Remember, the goal is to sound like you, just at your best.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with seeking outside help for brainstorming, editing, or feedback, as long as the final product and ideas are yours. English teachers, counselors, and professional essay coaches can help you clarify your ideas and strengthen your writing without taking over your story. Some services offer step-by-step coaching or detailed feedback—like pointing out where you could show rather than tell, or helping you pick a more engaging angle for your topic. For instance, if your draft feels boring, an experienced coach might encourage you to focus on a single vivid moment or use more sensory details, so your essay pops with your personality.
Where things get risky is when someone else writes your essay for you, or makes big rewrites that change your message or style. That’s not just frowned upon; it can violate school honor codes if discovered. Colleges have ways to spot writing that doesn’t match a student’s academic record. But getting advice on structure, flow, or grammar is totally within normal boundaries and is very common.
If you do work with someone, make your expectations clear: you want help bringing out your best ideas and voice, not erasing them. Some people find working with a coach boosts their confidence, but for others it feels stressful if they think their writing is being taken over. A good coach will support your vision rather than replace it.
If you’re just looking for honest feedback and guidance, that usually doesn’t raise any ethical concerns. But always trust your instincts—if outside help ever makes you feel like your essay isn’t yours anymore, it’s okay to step back and rely on your own voice. Remember, the goal is to sound like you, just at your best.
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Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years