Where can I find reliable essay help for college applications?
I’m currently working on my college application essays and feel like I'm getting stuck every time I try to start. I have some ideas but I’m worried they aren’t unique enough or I’m not expressing myself clearly.
Does anyone have recommendations on where to get trustworthy feedback? Are there good online services or should I stick with asking teachers and friends? I’d really appreciate any advice on where to look for support, or tips on how to approach people for help without feeling awkward about it.
If anyone has had a great experience with a certain resource (paid or free), please let me know!
Does anyone have recommendations on where to get trustworthy feedback? Are there good online services or should I stick with asking teachers and friends? I’d really appreciate any advice on where to look for support, or tips on how to approach people for help without feeling awkward about it.
If anyone has had a great experience with a certain resource (paid or free), please let me know!
4 months ago
•
9 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Feeling stuck on college essays is really common! The good news is there are plenty of reliable ways to get solid feedback and improve your writing.
Starting with people you already know—like English teachers, guidance counselors, or trusted adults—can be helpful. They're familiar with your writing style and can offer honest, personalized feedback. Friends who have already gone through the process, especially recent graduates, can also give you insights about what worked for them. When you approach people for help, just be genuine—say you value their opinion and are looking for another perspective. Most people are flattered to be asked, and you can make it easy for them by providing specific questions (i.e., “Does this essay sound like me?” or “Is my main point clear?”).
Online resources can supplement in-person feedback. Some forums and communities are centered around college admissions support, where students share essays for peer review. There are also reputable services that provide detailed feedback, line edits, and advice specific to different essay prompts. If you decide to use an online service, check for reviews, sample edits, or recommendations from people you trust so you can be sure you’re using a reputable one.
Sometimes free resources work really well too. For example, some high schools offer essay-writing workshops or partner with alumni to provide feedback. You might also find local library programs or community-based organizations that help students with essays.
Whatever route you take, try to avoid having too many people edit your essay. Too much feedback can water down your voice. For example, one student I worked with had five different people edit her essay, and it ended up sounding generic and lost her personality. She found it helpful to return to her first draft, keep her authentic tone, and just focus on feedback from her English teacher and one close friend.
Most importantly, seek help that supports your voice and story. You have something unique to share, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. A fresh set of eyes can help you unlock your own narrative. Good luck, and remember, the best essays usually come from honest self-reflection and revision!
Starting with people you already know—like English teachers, guidance counselors, or trusted adults—can be helpful. They're familiar with your writing style and can offer honest, personalized feedback. Friends who have already gone through the process, especially recent graduates, can also give you insights about what worked for them. When you approach people for help, just be genuine—say you value their opinion and are looking for another perspective. Most people are flattered to be asked, and you can make it easy for them by providing specific questions (i.e., “Does this essay sound like me?” or “Is my main point clear?”).
Online resources can supplement in-person feedback. Some forums and communities are centered around college admissions support, where students share essays for peer review. There are also reputable services that provide detailed feedback, line edits, and advice specific to different essay prompts. If you decide to use an online service, check for reviews, sample edits, or recommendations from people you trust so you can be sure you’re using a reputable one.
Sometimes free resources work really well too. For example, some high schools offer essay-writing workshops or partner with alumni to provide feedback. You might also find local library programs or community-based organizations that help students with essays.
Whatever route you take, try to avoid having too many people edit your essay. Too much feedback can water down your voice. For example, one student I worked with had five different people edit her essay, and it ended up sounding generic and lost her personality. She found it helpful to return to her first draft, keep her authentic tone, and just focus on feedback from her English teacher and one close friend.
Most importantly, seek help that supports your voice and story. You have something unique to share, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. A fresh set of eyes can help you unlock your own narrative. Good luck, and remember, the best essays usually come from honest self-reflection and revision!
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)