Christopher Hunt

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.

I need help honing my brand. How should I package myself? Now in my tenth year as a consultant for college admissions essays, I have...