Real Voices Essay Coaching Award

Real Voices Essay Coaching Award

Applications for the 2025 award are now closed. Congratulations to our winner! We plan to open applications for the next Real Voices Essay Coaching Award in 2026 — join our mailing list to be notified when it’s live.

In 2025, we received over 800 applications from students across the U.S., each sharing a powerful story and a unique voice.

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

The Real Voices Essay Coaching Award provides five hours of free college application essay coaching. It’s open to high school seniors applying to college for Fall 2027 admission.

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.

🏅 2025 Winner

We’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 Real Voices Essay Coaching Award went to Lucy Duku, a high school senior whose application stood out for her honesty, resilience, and creative vision. Lucy will receive five hours of personalized coaching this fall to help refine and elevate her college essays.

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 a published author with a PhD from UC Berkeley

• 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 2027

• 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 (if you have one)

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

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
Winner Announced: October 1, 2026
Coaching Dates: October 2026 (before November 1 college deadlines)

This award is valued at $1,500 in professional coaching services and is offered at no cost to the student.

By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Scholarship Terms & Conditions.

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.