Is it worth it to hire a college essay writing consultant?
I’ve been working on my Common App essay for a while now, but I keep feeling like it isn’t quite there. Some friends told me they’ve used essay consultants and that it really helped their writing sound more unique. I’m not really sure if it’s a good idea or if it’s just a waste of money, since these services can be expensive.
Has anyone here worked with a college essay writing consultant before? Did you feel like it made a big difference for your essays or your confidence? Any advice about finding a good one, or warning signs to avoid? I just want to make sure I’m making the right decision about whether to go for it or try to do all my essays by myself.
Has anyone here worked with a college essay writing consultant before? Did you feel like it made a big difference for your essays or your confidence? Any advice about finding a good one, or warning signs to avoid? I just want to make sure I’m making the right decision about whether to go for it or try to do all my essays by myself.
4 months ago
•
28 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Hiring a college essay writing consultant can be helpful, but whether it's "worth it" really depends on your specific situation, your budget, and your comfort with seeking outside guidance. A good consultant doesn’t write your essay for you—instead, they work with you to brainstorm unique ideas, offer feedback on content and structure, and polish your writing so it genuinely reflects your voice.
A consultant can be especially valuable if you’re stuck, feel like your essays sound generic, or want expert advice on how to make your application stand out. Working with someone experienced often boosts confidence, reduces stress, and teaches you better writing skills you can use beyond admissions essays. For example, one student I worked with initially wrote a traditional essay about a summer job, but together we dug deeper into a moment when she handled a problematic customer. Highlighting that situation gave her essay emotional depth and authenticity she wouldn’t have reached alone.
However, these services can be expensive, and results will vary depending on the consultant. If you’re considering hiring someone, watch for red flags like promises of guaranteed admissions, offers to write essays for you, or reluctance to let your authentic voice shine. Look for consultants who prioritize collaboration, ask thoughtful questions about your experiences, and share clear feedback rather than vague praise. A good sign is if they have credentials (past students with strong results, writing or admissions experience) and offer transparency about their process.
If money is a concern, see if your school or a local library offers free or low-cost essay help. Sometimes excellent feedback comes from English teachers or college counselors, too.
Ultimately, if you feel you could benefit from professional guidance and can afford it, working with a reputable consultant could be a good investment. But if you’re a strong writer, have access to supportive mentors, and are open to seeking feedback from trusted adults, you can absolutely write a compelling essay on your own. Remember: your story and your voice are what matter most!
A consultant can be especially valuable if you’re stuck, feel like your essays sound generic, or want expert advice on how to make your application stand out. Working with someone experienced often boosts confidence, reduces stress, and teaches you better writing skills you can use beyond admissions essays. For example, one student I worked with initially wrote a traditional essay about a summer job, but together we dug deeper into a moment when she handled a problematic customer. Highlighting that situation gave her essay emotional depth and authenticity she wouldn’t have reached alone.
However, these services can be expensive, and results will vary depending on the consultant. If you’re considering hiring someone, watch for red flags like promises of guaranteed admissions, offers to write essays for you, or reluctance to let your authentic voice shine. Look for consultants who prioritize collaboration, ask thoughtful questions about your experiences, and share clear feedback rather than vague praise. A good sign is if they have credentials (past students with strong results, writing or admissions experience) and offer transparency about their process.
If money is a concern, see if your school or a local library offers free or low-cost essay help. Sometimes excellent feedback comes from English teachers or college counselors, too.
Ultimately, if you feel you could benefit from professional guidance and can afford it, working with a reputable consultant could be a good investment. But if you’re a strong writer, have access to supportive mentors, and are open to seeking feedback from trusted adults, you can absolutely write a compelling essay on your own. Remember: your story and your voice are what matter most!
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)