Has anyone used the Norton College Essay Writer tool for their applications?

I've used the Norton College Essay Writer tool when I was working on my college applications last year, so I can definitely share my experience and some honest thoughts about it. The biggest benefit, at least for me, was definitely in the early brainstorming phases. The tool breaks down the process with prompts and guided questions so it’s less intimidating to face a blank page. For example, it might ask you to list moments when you felt challenged or particularly proud, and from there, it tries to help you find angles for your essay.

As for organization, Norton’s tool provided some helpful structure. It encourages outlining and helps you think about the progression of your essay—introduction, conflict, resolution, reflection, etc. This was especially useful because it forced me to make sure my essay had a narrative arc and wasn’t just a list of accomplishments.

In terms of voice, I can understand the concern about your essay sounding cookie-cutter. From my experience, the tool can feel generic if you rely too much on its sample sentences or suggested transitions. The best approach is to use its structure and feedback as a starting point, but always edit the essay in your own words afterward. For example, I used one of its feedback suggestions about 'showing, not telling,' but crafted my own specific anecdotes and dialogue instead of copying recommended phrases.

It saved me time in the outlining and first-draft phase—probably a few days—but I spent extra time revising to make sure my personality came through and the language sounded like me. I was happy with my final essay, but it definitely took work beyond what the tool alone provided. If you use it as a guide, and not as a replacement for your own editing and voice, then it’s pretty effective. I’d recommend also sharing your drafts with a teacher or someone who knows you well for more personal feedback.

Tip: Use the brainstorming exercises and outlining features, but always go back and personalize the content. Let the tool help with structure, but take extra care to edit and infuse your genuine thoughts into your essays.