Real Voices Essay Coaching Award

Real Voices Essay Coaching Award

Free, one-on-one college essay coaching for a high school senior with a powerful story to tell.

The Real Voices Essay Coaching Award is a scholarship for college application essay coaching, open to high school seniors applying to college in Fall 2025.

Every student deserves the chance to write a powerful, personal college essay — no matter their background or ability to pay.

That’s why we’re offering the Real Voices Essay Coaching Award: five hours of one-on-one coaching — completely free — for a high school senior applying to college this fall.

Whether you already have a draft or don’t know where to start, this award is designed to help you reflect, write, and revise with confidence.

What You’ll Get

• 5 hours of personalized college essay coaching via Zoom

• One-on-one sessions focused on your Common App essay, UC PIQs, or other personal statements

• Thoughtful feedback, brainstorming, and line-level editing — all at your pace

• A supportive, honest process that helps you sound like you — not a brand

• Coaching from Ben Urwand, PhD, founder of Real College Essays and a published author with Harvard University Press

• No cost to apply or participate

Who Should Apply

We’re looking for a high school senior who meets the following criteria:

• Is applying to college for Fall 2026

• Has strong potential and motivation

• Would benefit from outside support

• May not otherwise be able to afford private essay coaching

We especially encourage applications from:

• First-generation college students

• Students from low-income households

• Students with compelling personal stories to tell

How to Apply

To apply, just complete the short form below. You’ll be asked to briefly share the following:

• A few sentences about your background and goals

• A personal statement idea, outline, or draft (if you have one)

• A short note on why you’re interested in the award

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
Winner Announced: October 1, 2025
Coaching Dates: October 2025 (before November 1 college deadlines)

FAQs

Q: Is this really free?
A: Yes — there’s no cost to apply or receive coaching if selected.

Q: Can I apply if I’ve already started my essay?
A: Absolutely. Whether you’re starting fresh or mid-draft, we’ll meet you where you are.

Q: Will you choose more than one winner?
A: This year, we’re selecting one student. In future years, we may expand the program.

About Real College Essays

Real College Essays is a boutique coaching service run by published authors with PhDs. We’ve helped students get into Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and top UCs — 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), the service is grounded in real writing and real thinking.