Get feedback that works for your college essays
We'll help you tell your story in the most compelling way possible, so you can apply with confidence and showcase your best self.
- Done-for-you edits
- In-depth feedback and suggestions
- Summarized action steps
- Starting at $0.20 per word
Tell your story with authenticity
Every student is unique — the problem? Most essays aren't. We'll help you write essays that are both insightful and enjoyable to read, but most importantly authentic to you.
Content editing that goes beyond grammar
- Our editing doesn't just focus on grammar and spelling errors. We'll help you write essays with great content, compelling stories, and interesting ideas.
Elevate and deepen your ideas
- Interesting ideas are what make essays compelling. We'll help expand and dig into your ideas so your essays are both insightful and enjoyable to read.
Get an action plan — know exactly what to do next
- Quickly and easily get feedback tailored for exactly what you need. Get your questions answered, editing and suggestions, helpful comments, and summarized feedback.
Get honest, actionable feedback
Parents and teachers know you well — admissions officers don't. We'll give you an honest evaluation of your essays with feedback that's actionable and tailored to your profile.
Avoid common mistakes and clichés
- Application essays are unlike any other that you have written before. We'll help you avoid off-putting mistakes so you can present your best self to admissions.
Neutral, third-party feedback
- Parents, teachers, and friends know you well, but admissions officers don't. Get an outside perspective to identify your strengths and weaknesses of your application.
Experienced editor with a track record of success
- With hundreds of successful application essays published, we know how to help convey your authentic voice, strength, personality, and achievements.
How it works: 3 simple steps for better essays
You've worked hard on your college application essays. Now, let us help you gain confidence in your essays being the best they can be.
1
Upload your essays
Securely and privately upload your college essays to our online portal. Your essays are 100% confidential throughout the entire process and never shared with anyone.
2
We'll review your essays in depth
We will provide a super comprehensive review of your essays, covering everything from your essay content, topic, and structure to your flow, style, and easily overlooked mistakes.
3
You'll get detailed feedback and edits
Within 24-72 hours, you'll receive a detailed feedback report with actionable next steps to improve your essays, plus edits and ideas that take your essays to the next level.
These parents and students
are proud of their essays
“Ryan played a key role in my son getting admitted to his dream school.
Ryan empowered my son to express his ideas authentically and to articulate his thoughts and aspirations in a way that was truly impressive, a testament to his exemplary dedication and expertise. Thank you Ryan for going above and beyond; two thumbs up!”
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Harvard University
Each essay is an opportunity to celebrate your unique voice.
Every essay matters — but not all feedback is created equal. Our feedback is tailored to your unique application, schools, and content so you can make the best impression possible.
Personal Statement Essays
Also known as your Common App essay, statement of purpose (SOP), or personal essay. Convey your authentic voice and make your essay both insightful and enjoyable to read.
Supplemental Essays
Not sure if your "Why This College?", "Why Major?", or other supplemental essay is ready to submit? We'll help you be super specific to each school while also original and true to yourself.
UC Personal Insight Questions
Since dropping SAT/ACT test scores, University of California admissions relies more on your essays. We'll help you craft interesting and UC-fitting essays.
Why parents and students choose to work with us:
Make Your Ideas Shine
...by creating those "wow" moments that will be remembered by admissions officers and yourself.
Have Peace of Mind
...knowing your essays reflect your best self and your authentic story.
Save Hours of Time
...and skip the guess-work and stress of not knowing if you're on the right track.
Everything needed to feel more confident to press "submit"
There's lots of reasons to choose Essays That Worked for your college essay & application review, and here's exactly what you'll get with each essay review:
Topic and Content Advice
- Content is king. Which is why our editing provides feedback focused on your ideas. Get help organizing and structuring your essay.
Writing Style and Tone
- Get stylistic suggestions for making your essay flow better. Create compelling and interesting essays that are authentic to you.
100% Error-Free Essays
- Get your essays professionally edited and completely free of all grammar mistakes.
Communicate Directly With Your Editor
- Have questions about your feedback? Just ask your editor.
Help Meeting Word Count
- Whether you need to add or remove words, your editor can help you meet the word count. Make every word have a purpose to maximize your essay.
Structure and Organization
- Simple changes to your essay's structure can make a big difference in how it reads. We'll identify potential changes to improve paragraph and sentence organization.
Meet Your Editor 👋
- Hello! I'm Ryan, founder of Essays That Worked. Since 2018, I've helped students write their best application essays possible and apply to colleges with confidence.
- I've helped students get admitted to every top 20 university in the United States, including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and MIT. But more importantly, I've helped students apply confidently to their best fit colleges.
- I've supported over 9,000 students and parents to succeed in college admissions with our free resources, blog posts, and essay examples.
- I've published over 300+ essay examples from students admitted to the most selective colleges and built a free community to help everyone succeed in college admissions.
- I've worked one-on-one with students for 6+ years and received 5-star reviews from students and parents.
- I believe that students can succeed without "top colleges" — but that if you're aiming high, I'm here to support your journey.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to get started?
You can start your college essay editing order instantly and begin improving your essays today.
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