How helpful is Ethan Sawyer's advice for writing college essays?

Ethan Sawyer, known as the College Essay Guy, has become a widely recognized resource for high school students tackling college essays. His advice covers brainstorming, structuring, and polishing essays, and for many students, his techniques provide a solid starting point—especially if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

What makes his approach helpful to a lot of students is the way he breaks down the process. Instead of telling you to simply "be yourself," he offers concrete exercises. For example, his "Essence Objects" and "Values" exercises can help you dig beyond surface-level topics and uncover experiences that are truly meaningful to you. Many students who haven’t known where to start have found these tools valuable for finding authentic essay material.

However, it’s important to remember that while his frameworks—like the "montage" and "narrative" structures—are effective, you don’t have to follow them rigidly. The risk comes if you stick too closely to any formula and end up with an essay that sounds predictable or generic. Think of his guidance as scaffolding, which you can personalize and adapt. For instance, one student used his "montage" structure to weave together her passion for baking, her relationship with her grandmother, and her interest in chemistry. Rather than just listing her activities, she focused on a single afternoon baking bread, capturing sensory details and moments of conflict with her family’s secret recipe. The essay felt both structured and personal because she didn’t feel boxed in by the outline.

In short, Ethan Sawyer’s methods are definitely worth exploring, especially if you’re seeking structure or creative ways to brainstorm. They can help you clarify what matters to you and organize your ideas. Just make sure to bring your own voice and experiences to whatever structure you choose. If a technique makes your writing feel forced, modify it until it feels authentic and unique to you.