What Makes a Great College Essay Tutor
You've muddled through the college essay writing process for long enough to know that you'd like some extra support. Whether you're stuck on brainstorming, confused by a particular prompt, struggling with writing and style, or all of the above, you figure it's time to look for help. But the market for college application services can be almost as complicated and stressful as the college application process itself! If choosing a college essay coach feels confusing, we can help. Check out these guidelines on what to look for in an exceptional tutor, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the help you need.
College essay tutoring experience
When it comes to the college admissions essay process, there is no substitute for experience. Every year, thousands of people across the country advertise themselves as college essay experts and capable tutors. Many have undergraduate degrees from good universities and claim to understand the admissions process from their own experience. Yet however well intentioned, most of these so-called tutors have very little experience with college admissions beyond their own applications.
When looking for a college essay tutor, you want to find someone who has read thousands, not dozens, of students’ college essays. Understanding what makes a truly exceptional college essay, and how to avoid the common pitfalls in essay writing, is a skill that tutors develop over time.
Top university credentials
You want to go to a great college. So find a tutor who’s been to one, too! Understanding what it takes to get into a top school and the kinds of attributes sought by admissions committees is a lot more clear- cut for someone who’s been through the process themself. Ideally, look for a college essay coach who has a master’s degree or PhD. Not only will they have advanced training as a writer, reader, and thinker, but they will also be able to keep an eye on your longer term goals as they support you in your first foray into higher education.
Publications
When it comes to finding the best possible college essay tutor, you need to look for more than just great academic credentials and years of experience. We think you should also seek support from a published writer. Find a tutor who has written a book, penned an op-ed for a major national publication, or even published a personal essay of their own. Someone who has been through the ringer when it comes to brainstorming, drafting, revising, and working with editors is someone who knows what a polished final draft looks like.
Communication style
You could find a tutor with years of experience, published work, and top academic training. But if they’re not a people-person with the ability to connect quickly with a high school student, they won't be much help. One of the single most important jobs of a great college essay coach is to help you identify and talk about your unique and personal experiences. The key thing that comes before essay writing is talking. Talking is how we draw out great stories. Look for a college essay tutor who can talk as well as they write, and who you feel can get to know you as a collaborator.
At Real College Essays, we think we have some of the very best college essay tutors in the business. If you’d like to learn more, we encourage you to reach out and schedule a call.