Real Essay Review
A free live event where I read and critique real student essays — unscripted, honest, and instructive.
Real Essay Review
See what makes a college essay stand out — live.
Every college essay tells a story. But most students never get to see how their writing lands on an expert reader.
The Real Essay Review changes that. In this free, live session, I read and critique student essays on screen — sharing my real-time reactions, what’s working, what’s not, and how to fix it.
There’s no script, no slides, and no sugarcoating. Just the truth about what makes a college essay succeed.
How It Works
Free and open to all high school seniors — teachers, counselors, and parents are also welcome.
Students submit essays in advance (any format is fine). Essays are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
I’m the only person who has access to the submissions. During the session, I share each essay on screen so everyone can follow along.
The sessions are not recorded, so students can participate without worrying about privacy.
I’ll review as many essays as time allows; space is limited to 100 attendees per session.
Only a small number of essays will be reviewed live, but every participant will see exactly how expert feedback works — the learning applies to everyone.
Why It’s Different
Most essay workshops talk about what makes good writing. The Real Essay Review shows it — in real time.
When I read an essay, you see the exact thought process of an expert college essay coach with over a decade of experience. You’ll learn what a seasoned reader notices, where attention drifts, and why certain lines either connect or fall flat.
Admissions officers generally have the same gut reactions I do — but they don’t have the training to explain why. That’s what makes this format so powerful. You’ll see an essay through the eyes of someone who can articulate what works, what doesn’t, and what to do next.
I’ll always be honest and direct. That’s the point: it’s better for me to be your critical reader than the person who decides your admissions outcome.
What Makes It Real
Every session is truly live. I don’t preview essays or plan commentary. You’re watching my first reactions as they happen — the same kind of reactions your essay will provoke when it’s read in an admissions office.
That’s what makes this The Real Essay Review. It’s authentic, unscripted, and grounded in years of reading, writing, and teaching.
Upcoming Sessions
UC Personal Insight Questions Review
Saturday, November 15 at 1:00-2:30 PM PDT
→ Click here to register
Common App Essay Review
Saturday, December 6 at 1:00-2:30 PM PDT / 4:00-5:30 PM EDT
→ Click here to register
About the Instructor
Ben Urwand, PhD
Founder, Real College Essays
Ben Urwand has helped hundreds of students gain admission to top colleges since 2016. He received his PhD from UC Berkeley, was a Junior Fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows, and is the author of The Collaboration (Harvard University Press).
For over a decade, he’s specialized in helping students write authentic, memorable college essays that stand out for the right reasons.
Ready to see what “real” looks like?
Join the next free session of Real Essay Review.
FAQs
Q: Is this really free?
A: Yes — there’s no cost to participate. The Real Essay Review is a free public event designed to help students learn what makes great essays stand out.
Q: Can I submit my essay in any format?
A: Yes. PDF, Google Doc, Word file — anything that’s easy to open and read.
Q: Will my essay be public?
A: Only the essays selected for live review will appear on screen during the session. I’m the only person who has access to the submissions in advance, and the sessions are not recorded.
Q: Will every essay be reviewed?
A: I’ll review as many as time allows, in the order they’re received. Attendance is capped at 100 participants to keep the experience focused.
Q: Who can attend?
A: High-school seniors are encouraged to join, but teachers, counselors, and parents are also welcome.
Q: Can you host The Real Essay Review for our school or program?
A: Yes! I occasionally run private Real Essay Review sessions for high schools and college counseling programs. If you’re interested in arranging one for your students, contact me here.
About Real College Essays
Real College Essays is a boutique college essay coaching service run by published authors with PhDs. We’ve helped students earn admission to Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and the top UC campuses — not through gimmicks, but by helping them write honest, reflective essays that sound like them.
Founded by Ben Urwand, a former UC Berkeley instructor and author of The Collaboration (Harvard University Press), Real College Essays is grounded in real writing and real thinking.
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