Get feedback on your college essays & application
Help telling your story in the most compelling way to stand out in top college admissions.
- College application review
- Essay editing and feedback
- Summarized action steps
“For students without a hook, there's no better hook than having outstanding essays.”
Join thousands of students who have earned acceptances to schools like...
Make a Lasting Impression With
Stand-Out Applications
Detailed feedback on your entire college application to tell your story in the most compelling way
Essay editing for your Common App personal statement, supplemental essays, and Activities list
Video walkthrough and summary of your feedback and next steps
Transform your essays from
"good" into wow
Learn exactly what works and what doesn't for writing top-tier application essays, based on the lessons from hundreds of admitted students at the most selective schools.
Be competitive for top-20 schools
We'll make sure your essay is on the level for the most selective colleges, like Ivy League schools and other top-25 colleges.
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.
Get new ideas for more brilliant essays
- 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
We'll give you an honest evaluation of your essays. Get an idea of how admissions officers may perceive your essays.
Avoid common mistakes and clichés
- Application essays are often unlike any other that students 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
- I know how college admissions works and what makes an applicant stand out. Get help conveying your authentic voice, personality, and achievements.
How It Works
1. Choose a plan & upload your application and essays.
You'll share with us your current personal statement, supplemental essays, activities list, and any specific areas you're looking for help on.
2. We'll review your application and essays in detail.
We will provide a comprehensive review of your application and essays, including a detailed summary of action items. Cover everything from your essay content, topic, structure, flow, and style.
3. You'll get a comprehensive review & actionable next steps.
You'll get your application and essays review plus a video walkthrough summarizing your feedback and next steps within 4 days.
Here’s what parents & students have said about working with me:
(some names have been changed to protect privacy)
Make every essay another reason to admit you
Whatever type of application essay you're working, I can help you make it the best it can be. Every essay is your opportunity to convince admissions officers why you're a perfect fit for their school.
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.
What you'll get with each college essay & application review:
Make Your Ideas Shine
...by creating those "wow" moments that will be remembered by admissions officers.
Have Peace of Mind
...knowing your application & essays are at the level of the schools you're applying to.
Save Hours of Time
...and skip the guess-work by having an admissions expert tell you exactly what to do.
Made for top-20 college admissions
“[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!”
Everything needed to feel 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.
College Essay & Application Review Packages
“I feel so much more reassured to press the submit button now!”
— Judy Z. (University of Pennsylvania)
Frequently asked questions
What Is EssaysThatWorked.com?
My name is Ryan Chiang, and I'm the founder of EssaysThatWorked.com. Since 2018, I've helped students write their best application essays possible for top-20 schools.
My website features over 200+ successful essays from admitted students at top-20 schools. I've created dozens of free resources, guides, and videos to help families navigate the college admissions process.
I've worked with hundreds of students and parents to apply confidently with their best essays possible. Will you be next?
Learn more about Ryan →See if Essays That Worked is right for you.
Get a guided introduction to our essay editing service, and find out how you and your student can change the way you apply to college.
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