College Essay Coaching from a UC Berkeley-Trained Educator and Published Author
If you’re a high school senior, you’ll benefit from help with the most challenging part of your college application: the essays.
Most students spend years on their grades, extracurriculars, and test scores, leaving their essays till the last minute. But if you’re applying to college this year, the essay is the one part of your application still under your control — and it can make or break your chances of being admitted to a top school.
That’s where I come in. Through my college essay coaching, I help students uncover stories that make their applications stand out.
If you have strong grades and extracurriculars, and on top of that, you tell an authentic, personal story that makes a real impact, admissions officers will stop and take notice.
Ready to get started? Reach out here — I offer a free 20-minute consultation and respond personally to every inquiry.
My Approach As a College Essay Tutor
When I began helping students with their college application essays in 2015, I was shocked to read most of the advice online. College essay coaches promoted gimmicks and hacks that made everyone’s essays sound the same, and they praised college essay examples that would be guaranteed to make any admissions officer groan.
More recently, students began flocking to ChatGPT to write their essays, unaware that admissions officers could spot AI-generated personal essays a mile away.
I wanted to offer a more thoughtful, human process. So instead of falling back on generic advice like “just brainstorm,” I did something radical and actually started listening to my students. I found that everyone required a slightly different approach — but if I paid attention and treated students with respect, they all opened up and had a unique story to tell.
When I meet with students, the first thing I do is help them discover their topic. I ask them a hundred questions and push them for more information, and we engage in a lot of back and forth. The process can be frustrating at times — but in every case, the student eventually says something that makes them light up, and with a bit of encouragement, they work out what to write about.
I then give students a set of personalized questions to respond to in their own time. These questions help them break the writing into manageable pieces, so the process feels less intimidating. Most of the time, it’s the material they write just to have a bit of fun that ends up being the most powerful.
Interested in working together? Send me a note — I’m happy to answer questions or schedule a time to talk.
What Students Gain from College Essay Help
Over the past ten years, my students have been admitted to every top school in the United States, including all of the Ivies and UCs. I’ve consistently seen students achieve remarkable results by putting as much effort into their essays as they’ve put into their grades, extracurriculars, and test scores.
If you work with me, you’ll dig deep into your past, learn how to self-reflect, and develop writing skills that will serve you your entire life. You’ll also feel a deep sense of confidence and pride in submitting an essay that reflects who you really are.
Every student has a story. If you’re ready to tell yours, get in touch here.
What Students Gain from College Essay Help
Over the past ten years, my students have been admitted to every top school in the United States, including all of the Ivies and UCs. I’ve consistently seen students achieve remarkable results by putting as much effort into their essays as they’ve put into their grades, extracurriculars, and test scores.
If you work with me, you’ll dig deep into your past, learn how to self-reflect, and develop writing skills that will serve you your entire life. You’ll also feel a deep sense of confidence and pride in submitting an essay that reflects who you really are.
Every student has a story. If you’re ready to tell yours, get in touch here.
How It Works
I founded Real College Essays in 2023 to bring a thoughtful, individualized approach to college essay coaching. All of our tutors are published authors with PhDs, and we work with a limited number of students each year to ensure quality and attention. But whether you work with me or one of the other expert coaches on my team, our approach will be unlike anything you can find elsewhere:
- You’ll work one-on-one with a highly qualified college essay coach who’ll guide you through the process of writing a personal statement that reflects who you really are.
- Your college essay coach will help you write supplemental essays that demonstrate why you’re a good fit for particular schools.
- You’ll work directly with your college essay tutor at all times. We don’t pass off any work to junior employees.
- You won’t find confusing edits appearing on your college application essays when you’re not present, because we do all work with you in session.
- You’ll get completely honest feedback — if something isn’t working, we’ll tell you directly.
- You’ll pay only for the sessions you need — we don’t force you into expensive packages.
Let’s talk. I respond personally to every inquiry.
About Me
I received my PhD from UC Berkeley, where I taught hundreds of students and supervised dozens of senior thesis projects. I was also elected as a Junior Fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows. In 2023, I founded Real College Essays to offer thoughtful, one-on-one coaching rooted in deep listening and genuine mentorship.
What I love most about this work is the moment a student realizes they have something to say — something real, thoughtful, and true. Helping them find their voice — and eventually submit an essay they’re proud of — never gets old.
If that sounds like the kind of support you’re looking for, send me a quick note. I offer a free 20-minute consultation and will get back to you personally.
About Me
I received my PhD from UC Berkeley, where I taught hundreds of students and supervised dozens of senior thesis projects. I was also elected as a Junior Fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows. In 2023, I founded Real College Essays to offer thoughtful, one-on-one coaching rooted in deep listening and genuine mentorship.
What I love most about this work is the moment a student realizes they have something to say — something real, thoughtful, and true. Helping them find their voice — and eventually submit an essay they’re proud of — never gets old.
If that sounds like the kind of support you’re looking for, I’d love to hear from you. Just send me a quick note — I’ll get back to you personally.
What Parents Are Saying
More Resources on College Essays
Want to dive deeper into my approach? Below are some of the most-read articles I’ve written on what makes a great college essay — and how to avoid the common traps.
My approach to coaching isn’t gimmicky — it’s thoughtful, honest, and built around helping you sound like yourself (at your best).
A no-nonsense guide to what admissions officers actually value — and why generic advice about “what colleges want” often backfires.
Even top students fall into predictable traps. This guide offers five common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Not sure if you need coaching? This article helps you figure out what kind of support (if any) is right for you.
Tips for writing compelling UC PIQ responses that sound like you — not like everyone else applying.
Most high-achieving students approach the college essay the wrong way. Here’s why that strategy backfires — and what to do instead.
Interviews
Curious to hear me in conversation? In these podcast interviews, I discuss what makes an effective college essay — and how students can stand out in an increasingly competitive admissions landscape.
Contact
Let’s talk. I respond personally to every inquiry. The easiest way to reach me is through the form below — but feel free to email me at ben@realcollegeessays.com. I offer a free 20-minute consultation for prospective students and parents.
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