Is hiring a college essay coach worth it?
So I’ve been working on my Common App essay, and honestly, I keep getting stuck—either on topics or just figuring out how to make my point. My parents suggested hiring a college essay coach, but I’m not sure if it will really make a difference or if it’s just a waste of money.
Has anyone here actually worked with one? Did it actually help improve your essays or just make them sound generic? I’m a junior right now and feeling a little overwhelmed with the whole process, so I want to know if paying for a coach is something I should seriously consider or if I should just keep pushing through on my own. Any honest feedback or pros and cons would be super helpful!
Has anyone here actually worked with one? Did it actually help improve your essays or just make them sound generic? I’m a junior right now and feeling a little overwhelmed with the whole process, so I want to know if paying for a coach is something I should seriously consider or if I should just keep pushing through on my own. Any honest feedback or pros and cons would be super helpful!
6 months ago
•
21 views
Roger Lopez
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Great question! Deciding whether to hire a college essay coach is a common dilemma, and there are definitely pros and cons. An essay coach can be most helpful if you struggle to organize your thoughts, pick a topic that stands out, or structure your story in a way that’s memorable rather than generic.
A good coach won’t write the essay for you, but they can help you brainstorm unique angles, push you to dig deeper for personal anecdotes, and guide you on what works for specific prompts. For example, if you’re stuck deciding if your story about volunteering is too cliché, a coach might help you focus on the moment you had an unexpected connection at the event or realized something specific about yourself.
That said, it’s important to find someone who helps you amplify your authentic voice—some coaches just polish grammar and make your essay sound bland or overly formal, which is not the goal.
Cons include the expense (which can range widely), time commitment, and risk of losing your authentic voice if you don’t choose the right coach. Pros include individualized attention, fresh perspectives, and sometimes reduced stress. Ultimately, if you’re motivated and willing to put in the work, a coach can be helpful, but you can still succeed with strong drafts and good feedback from teachers or friends.
If possible, try a session or two or have a consultation before committing to a whole package.The most important thing is to make sure the process helps you tell your story, not someone else’s.
A good coach won’t write the essay for you, but they can help you brainstorm unique angles, push you to dig deeper for personal anecdotes, and guide you on what works for specific prompts. For example, if you’re stuck deciding if your story about volunteering is too cliché, a coach might help you focus on the moment you had an unexpected connection at the event or realized something specific about yourself.
That said, it’s important to find someone who helps you amplify your authentic voice—some coaches just polish grammar and make your essay sound bland or overly formal, which is not the goal.
Cons include the expense (which can range widely), time commitment, and risk of losing your authentic voice if you don’t choose the right coach. Pros include individualized attention, fresh perspectives, and sometimes reduced stress. Ultimately, if you’re motivated and willing to put in the work, a coach can be helpful, but you can still succeed with strong drafts and good feedback from teachers or friends.
If possible, try a session or two or have a consultation before committing to a whole package.The most important thing is to make sure the process helps you tell your story, not someone else’s.
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Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years