Is taking a college essay writing class worth it?
I keep seeing ads for different college essay writing classes lately, and I'm wondering if they're actually helpful. I'm a rising senior, and I know my essays are going to be super important since my SAT score isn't the greatest.
Does anyone have experience with these classes? Do they really help make your essays stand out, or is it better to just write drafts on my own and get feedback from my English teacher or friends? Not sure if it's worth the time and money, or if the stuff they teach is mostly things I could find for free online.
Any advice from people who've taken one of these classes (or decided against it) would be awesome. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to get my essay in solid shape before apps are due.
Does anyone have experience with these classes? Do they really help make your essays stand out, or is it better to just write drafts on my own and get feedback from my English teacher or friends? Not sure if it's worth the time and money, or if the stuff they teach is mostly things I could find for free online.
Any advice from people who've taken one of these classes (or decided against it) would be awesome. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to get my essay in solid shape before apps are due.
4 months ago
•
18 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Your concern is totally valid—college essays carry a lot of weight in admissions, especially if you feel your test scores aren't as competitive. College essay writing classes can be helpful for some students, but whether they're "worth it" depends on your learning style, motivation, and what resources you already have access to.
These classes generally offer structured timelines, exercises to help you brainstorm unique topics, guidance on avoiding clichés, and personalized feedback on drafts. If you struggle with getting started, procrastinate, or feel lost about what makes a great essay, the structure might be really helpful. For example, a friend of mine took a summer essay bootcamp, and it helped her brainstorm a quirky story about her collecting odd-shaped leaves, which turned into a memorable essay on finding beauty in the mundane. She felt the class gave her confidence and accountability to finish her drafts early.
On the other hand, if you're self-motivated and have a strong English teacher or a trusted mentor/friend who is good at editing, you can likely get a lot out of writing your own drafts, reading successful essay examples, and using free online resources. Plenty of guides and forums provide great tips for free. You could also try a hybrid approach: start your essay on your own, then seek outside feedback if you feel stuck or want another perspective.
Main things to consider:
- Are you comfortable with the essay process, or do you need more support?
- Would feedback from someone who understands the college admissions process (like an essay coach) provide something you can't get from teachers or friends?
- Think about cost and time. Classes can be expensive, but for some, the investment is worth the peace of mind.
Getting a strong essay requires honest self-reflection and revision, whether you have a class, a teacher, or just a trusted friend giving feedback. If you decide not to take a class, make sure you still set aside enough time for multiple drafts and edits. Sometimes peer and teacher feedback is just as valuable, especially if you ask targeted questions (e.g., "Does this sound like me? Is the story memorable?").
In short: essay classes can help if you need the structure and specialized guidance, but they're not the only way to write a great essay. Think about what you need most, and make your decision from there!
These classes generally offer structured timelines, exercises to help you brainstorm unique topics, guidance on avoiding clichés, and personalized feedback on drafts. If you struggle with getting started, procrastinate, or feel lost about what makes a great essay, the structure might be really helpful. For example, a friend of mine took a summer essay bootcamp, and it helped her brainstorm a quirky story about her collecting odd-shaped leaves, which turned into a memorable essay on finding beauty in the mundane. She felt the class gave her confidence and accountability to finish her drafts early.
On the other hand, if you're self-motivated and have a strong English teacher or a trusted mentor/friend who is good at editing, you can likely get a lot out of writing your own drafts, reading successful essay examples, and using free online resources. Plenty of guides and forums provide great tips for free. You could also try a hybrid approach: start your essay on your own, then seek outside feedback if you feel stuck or want another perspective.
Main things to consider:
- Are you comfortable with the essay process, or do you need more support?
- Would feedback from someone who understands the college admissions process (like an essay coach) provide something you can't get from teachers or friends?
- Think about cost and time. Classes can be expensive, but for some, the investment is worth the peace of mind.
Getting a strong essay requires honest self-reflection and revision, whether you have a class, a teacher, or just a trusted friend giving feedback. If you decide not to take a class, make sure you still set aside enough time for multiple drafts and edits. Sometimes peer and teacher feedback is just as valuable, especially if you ask targeted questions (e.g., "Does this sound like me? Is the story memorable?").
In short: essay classes can help if you need the structure and specialized guidance, but they're not the only way to write a great essay. Think about what you need most, and make your decision from there!
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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5 years
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