How much does college essay help usually cost?
I'm starting to seriously work on my college essays, and I'm feeling kind of overwhelmed. I've heard that a lot of people get outside help, like from essay coaches or editors, but I have no idea how much that normally costs.
Is it typical to pay someone for just one edit, or do people usually get a more long-term package where they help with the entire process? If anyone has paid for college essay help, would you mind sharing what you paid (even just a range) and what you got out of it? My family’s on a bit of a tight budget, so I'm trying to figure out if this is even something I should consider or if there are good free options.
Any info or personal experiences would be super helpful as I try to plan out my application process!
Is it typical to pay someone for just one edit, or do people usually get a more long-term package where they help with the entire process? If anyone has paid for college essay help, would you mind sharing what you paid (even just a range) and what you got out of it? My family’s on a bit of a tight budget, so I'm trying to figure out if this is even something I should consider or if there are good free options.
Any info or personal experiences would be super helpful as I try to plan out my application process!
5 months ago
•
69 views
Camille Luong
• 5 months ago
Advisor
The cost of college essay help varies a lot depending on the type of service, the expertise of the editor or coach, and how hands-on you want them to be. For a single round of feedback—basically, an edit with suggestions and comments—prices can range from $50 to $200 per essay. If you want something more comprehensive (multiple drafts, brainstorming, and coaching from start to finish), packages might cost between $500 and $2,000 for help with several essays or the entire process.
Some people choose a 'pay by the hour' consultant, which might be $75 to $300 per hour, depending on the consultant’s reputation and experience. I’ve personally heard from friends who paid around $150 for feedback on one Common App essay, and others who got a package (including help brainstorming, outlining, reviewing, and editing a batch of essays) for about $800.
Whether you pay per essay or for a whole package comes down to your needs. If you just want some general guidance or a one-time edit, a single review can be both affordable and helpful. If you’re applying to lots of schools and want consistent support over several months, a package might be better. Some services offer sliding scales or a la carte options too.
Since you mentioned budget concerns, it’s worth knowing that there are many free or low-cost resources out there. High school counselors, English teachers, and local organizations sometimes offer free essay workshops or feedback. There are also online forums where you can swap essays for peer review. For example, some school libraries or nonprofit groups hold free college application workshops in the fall.
If you do invest in paid help, make sure the coach or editor has experience with college admissions essays (as opposed to just grammar editing), and always ask for references or sample feedback. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that your authentic voice shines through your essays. Even with limited outside help, you can write something powerful and personal if you start early and give yourself time to revise and reflect.
Some people choose a 'pay by the hour' consultant, which might be $75 to $300 per hour, depending on the consultant’s reputation and experience. I’ve personally heard from friends who paid around $150 for feedback on one Common App essay, and others who got a package (including help brainstorming, outlining, reviewing, and editing a batch of essays) for about $800.
Whether you pay per essay or for a whole package comes down to your needs. If you just want some general guidance or a one-time edit, a single review can be both affordable and helpful. If you’re applying to lots of schools and want consistent support over several months, a package might be better. Some services offer sliding scales or a la carte options too.
Since you mentioned budget concerns, it’s worth knowing that there are many free or low-cost resources out there. High school counselors, English teachers, and local organizations sometimes offer free essay workshops or feedback. There are also online forums where you can swap essays for peer review. For example, some school libraries or nonprofit groups hold free college application workshops in the fall.
If you do invest in paid help, make sure the coach or editor has experience with college admissions essays (as opposed to just grammar editing), and always ask for references or sample feedback. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that your authentic voice shines through your essays. Even with limited outside help, you can write something powerful and personal if you start early and give yourself time to revise and reflect.
Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)