Is it worth paying for an online college essay editor?
I've been working on my common app essay for weeks now, and I want it to stand out. Some of my friends are using paid online essay editing services, but I'm not sure if it's worth it. My English teacher has helped a little, but she's super busy with all her students, so her feedback was kind of brief.
Have you guys tried online editors? Do they make a big difference in your essays, or should I just stick with feedback from my teachers and family? I'd like to know if it's actually helpful, and not just a waste of money. Any recommendations for specific sites would also be great!
Have you guys tried online editors? Do they make a big difference in your essays, or should I just stick with feedback from my teachers and family? I'd like to know if it's actually helpful, and not just a waste of money. Any recommendations for specific sites would also be great!
5 months ago
•
30 views
Camille Luong
• 5 months ago
Advisor
Paying for an online college essay editor can be worth it for some students, but it depends on your specific needs and the type of feedback you’re looking for. You've already gotten a bit of help from your English teacher, and that's a great start, but it sounds like you want more in-depth, personalized attention—something that busy teachers and family members sometimes can't provide, just because of time constraints or lack of specialization in admissions writing.
A good online editor usually goes beyond just fixing grammar. They can help you with structure, tone, storytelling, and making sure your unique voice comes through. They’re often aware of what college admissions officers are looking for, so their comments can be more tailored to the specific requirements and expectations of college essays. For example, a student I worked with last year had a solid draft, but her editor helped her restructure the opening to grab the reader’s attention better, and suggested a specific anecdote to deepen her story. That extra polish can make a real difference, especially if you’re aiming for selective schools.
If you generally get strong, tailored feedback from your teachers or other mentors, you might not need to pay for an editing service. But if your feedback so far has been brief or vague—like just 'this is good' or 'try to be more specific'—then an online editor can help you dig deeper into your themes and polish your writing. Think of it as investing in an extra set of eyes, and potentially learning more about how to present yourself in the application process overall.
In the end, whether it's worthwhile depends on your budget, your confidence in your current draft, and how much access you have to qualified reviewers in your network. Try asking yourself: Are your essays already clear, engaging, and free of errors? Do you feel stuck on structure, tone, or content? If so, it could be a good investment. If not, you may be able to get by with free resources. Remember, a strong essay isn’t about fancy vocabulary, but about honest, personal storytelling. So whichever route you choose, focus on making your unique perspective shine.
A good online editor usually goes beyond just fixing grammar. They can help you with structure, tone, storytelling, and making sure your unique voice comes through. They’re often aware of what college admissions officers are looking for, so their comments can be more tailored to the specific requirements and expectations of college essays. For example, a student I worked with last year had a solid draft, but her editor helped her restructure the opening to grab the reader’s attention better, and suggested a specific anecdote to deepen her story. That extra polish can make a real difference, especially if you’re aiming for selective schools.
If you generally get strong, tailored feedback from your teachers or other mentors, you might not need to pay for an editing service. But if your feedback so far has been brief or vague—like just 'this is good' or 'try to be more specific'—then an online editor can help you dig deeper into your themes and polish your writing. Think of it as investing in an extra set of eyes, and potentially learning more about how to present yourself in the application process overall.
In the end, whether it's worthwhile depends on your budget, your confidence in your current draft, and how much access you have to qualified reviewers in your network. Try asking yourself: Are your essays already clear, engaging, and free of errors? Do you feel stuck on structure, tone, or content? If so, it could be a good investment. If not, you may be able to get by with free resources. Remember, a strong essay isn’t about fancy vocabulary, but about honest, personal storytelling. So whichever route you choose, focus on making your unique perspective shine.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)