Is it worth hiring an essay editor for my college application essays?

Hiring an essay editor for your college application essays can be helpful, but the value really depends on your personal situation and what you need most in your writing process.

If you’re feeling stuck or just want an experienced set of eyes to bring out your voice, a good editor can help you clarify your message, spot themes you might not have noticed, and fix awkward phrasing or grammar. For example, I know students who had editors help them realize what stories were actually the most unique for their supplementals, or who needed help cutting words while keeping the spirit of the essay. In many cases, their essays felt much more cohesive after edits, and it certainly reduced the stress they felt about submitting something that was “off.”

However, there are some potential downsides. If an editor is too heavy-handed—changing your style or suggesting clichéd angles—you risk losing your authenticity. Admissions officers can usually tell when an essay doesn’t sound like a 17- or 18-year-old. The best editors help you sound most like yourself, only more polished. You should feel free to push back if feedback doesn’t sit right with you. It’s your story, after all.

If you do hire an editor, look for one who values your voice, offers specific and actionable feedback, and is transparent about what they will and won’t do (for example, editing vs. rewriting).

Ultimately, an essay editor can give you a boost in confidence and polish, but you should never feel like you’re handing over your story for someone else to write. If approached thoughtfully, it’s often worth it, especially if you want your essays to stand out in a crowded application pool.