Where can I find free college essay help that’s actually useful?
I'm starting my college applications soon and I’m already kinda stressed about the whole essay part. I’ve seen a bunch of websites advertising free help with essays, but it’s hard to tell what's legit and what isn’t, or if any of it is actually going to help me stand out.
Has anyone here used any free resources (like websites, YouTube channels, or maybe nonprofit programs) that gave solid advice or good feedback? I can’t afford a private counselor or paid editing service, so I’m trying to make the most of what’s out there. If you have any recommendations or tips for getting trustworthy free feedback on essays, I’d really appreciate it!
For context, I’m applying to a mix of state schools and a couple of Ivies. My school's college counseling is super overwhelmed, so I’m mostly on my own.
Has anyone here used any free resources (like websites, YouTube channels, or maybe nonprofit programs) that gave solid advice or good feedback? I can’t afford a private counselor or paid editing service, so I’m trying to make the most of what’s out there. If you have any recommendations or tips for getting trustworthy free feedback on essays, I’d really appreciate it!
For context, I’m applying to a mix of state schools and a couple of Ivies. My school's college counseling is super overwhelmed, so I’m mostly on my own.
4 months ago
•
23 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed by the college essay process, especially when you’re trying to navigate the wave of advice online and your high school doesn’t have tons of support. There *are* genuinely helpful, free resources out there—you just need to know where to look and how to get the most out of them.
For online written advice, the College Essay Guy’s website is a smart place to start. The site offers detailed breakdowns of brainstorming strategies, Common App prompts, and even a huge library of successful example essays (with expert commentary on what works and why).
Another great and free source is YouTube. Ethan Sawyer (College Essay Guy), Asha Rangappa (admissions tips), and SupertutorTV all have video guides covering how to brainstorm story ideas, show rather than tell, and edit your drafts. These channels even share annotated real-life essay samples. If you’re a visual learner or want to see step-by-step edits, this format might be especially helpful.
For peer feedback, Reddit’s r/ApplyingToCollege forum has a regular “Essay Megathread” where you can swap essays with other students and get honest (sometimes blunt, but often insightful) feedback. Just be sure to remove any personal information before posting! CollegeVine also runs free live essay review streams, where anonymous users can submit essays for critique by college students.
If you’re looking for specific one-on-one support, check for local organizations or nonprofits like ScholarMatch and CollegePoint—these sometimes offer remote essay review from volunteers, especially for students applying to selective schools or coming from under-resourced backgrounds. Some Boys & Girls Clubs and public libraries even host virtual or in-person essay workshops.
Finally, don’t overlook English teachers, especially if you have a good relationship with one. They may not have private counselor hours, but a teacher might be willing to read a draft and point out where your essay is strongest (or what’s missing), even if it’s just through email.
Here’s an example of how to ask for feedback from someone who isn’t a college admissions pro: “I’m working on my college essay and would appreciate your honest opinion on whether the story comes across clearly and if it sounds like *me*. Are there places where you want to know more, or does anything feel confusing?”
No matter what resource you use, always make sure feedback is aimed at making **your story** stronger—not just making you sound a certain way. The real value comes from refining your unique experiences, not copying a template. Good luck, and trust yourself—you’ve got this!
For online written advice, the College Essay Guy’s website is a smart place to start. The site offers detailed breakdowns of brainstorming strategies, Common App prompts, and even a huge library of successful example essays (with expert commentary on what works and why).
Another great and free source is YouTube. Ethan Sawyer (College Essay Guy), Asha Rangappa (admissions tips), and SupertutorTV all have video guides covering how to brainstorm story ideas, show rather than tell, and edit your drafts. These channels even share annotated real-life essay samples. If you’re a visual learner or want to see step-by-step edits, this format might be especially helpful.
For peer feedback, Reddit’s r/ApplyingToCollege forum has a regular “Essay Megathread” where you can swap essays with other students and get honest (sometimes blunt, but often insightful) feedback. Just be sure to remove any personal information before posting! CollegeVine also runs free live essay review streams, where anonymous users can submit essays for critique by college students.
If you’re looking for specific one-on-one support, check for local organizations or nonprofits like ScholarMatch and CollegePoint—these sometimes offer remote essay review from volunteers, especially for students applying to selective schools or coming from under-resourced backgrounds. Some Boys & Girls Clubs and public libraries even host virtual or in-person essay workshops.
Finally, don’t overlook English teachers, especially if you have a good relationship with one. They may not have private counselor hours, but a teacher might be willing to read a draft and point out where your essay is strongest (or what’s missing), even if it’s just through email.
Here’s an example of how to ask for feedback from someone who isn’t a college admissions pro: “I’m working on my college essay and would appreciate your honest opinion on whether the story comes across clearly and if it sounds like *me*. Are there places where you want to know more, or does anything feel confusing?”
No matter what resource you use, always make sure feedback is aimed at making **your story** stronger—not just making you sound a certain way. The real value comes from refining your unique experiences, not copying a template. Good luck, and trust yourself—you’ve got this!
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)