Do I Need a College Essay Coach?

Every year, thousands of students and parents ask themselves the same question:Do we need to hire someone to help with college admissions essays? For many, it’s uncharted territory.

Students may not be sure what a college essay coach actually does. Parents, understandably, might be skeptical of a service that probably didn’t exist when they applied to college. But behind the question is something deeper: college admissions matter, and families want to get it right.

That urge to “get it right” has fueled an explosion of admissions advisors. When I worked with my first student in the summer of 2015, I knew of maybe a dozen college essay coaches. Now, there are thousands. IBISWorld, an industry research firm, estimates that parents spent $3 billion on education consultants in 2024.

Determining whether you need an essay consultant starts by asking a simple question: How selective is the school you're applying to?

If you're applying to a university with a high acceptance rate—like many state schools—admissions decisions tend to focus on GPA and test scores. Some even publish clear formulas. For example, the University of Colorado Boulder guarantees admission for students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher and an ACT score of at least 27.

In cases like that, essays aren’t a major factor. A helpful teacher, free online resources, or a one-time webinar like the one I offer—Core Qualities of College Essays—may be all you need.

Applying to Selective Schools? The Game Changes.

If you're applying to more selective universities—those with acceptance rates below 30%—things change. At that level, most applicants have strong grades and test scores. What sets one student apart from another is often the recommendation letters, the activities list, and the essays.

While there’s no official formula for how much essays “count,” admissions officers routinely say that the essay can tip the scales. If your goal is to maximize your impact in the process, professional guidance starts to make sense.

For Top-Tier Schools, Essays Matter Even More

When acceptance rates drop below 10%—as they do at Stanford, MIT, and the Ivies—thousands of applicants have perfect grades and near-perfect test scores. At that level, admissions officers aren’t just looking for academic success. They’re looking for students who can bring something unique to the community.

They read between the lines to understand your voice, values, and perspective. They consider how you’ll engage with your classmates and their resources, and what you’ll do with the education after you graduate.

At top-tier universities essays become more than a mere checkbox. They provide an opportunity to go beyond what you did. By sharing who you are, you can make a human connection with an admissions officer. 

Does Everyone Need a College Essay Coach?

A survey of Harvard's Class of 2027 found that 23% of respondents had worked with a private college consultant. Among students from families with incomes over $500,000, that number was nearly 50%.

The same survey also tells us that many students get into top schools without paying for help. Teachers, counselors, and parents often provide critical support and honest feedback. Applicants who know what they want to say—and how to say it—can go it alone and succeed.

But for families who want expert guidance, a clear strategy, and support navigating a high-stakes process, working with a college essay consultant can be a smart choice. Hiring a college essay consultant is a way to make the most of the opportunity to convey your core values and defining qualities. 

Whether you go it alone or bring in a wingman, the goal is the same: Paint a portrait of someone who will thrive on campus and contribute something meaningful to the community.