COLLEGE ADVISING
Your Personal Guide for Writing Unforgettable College Essays
Your college admissions essays could be the deciding factor in your acceptance. Perfect them with personalized feedback and editing tips from Kaplan reviewers to ensure your story stands out.
Impactful Essays Start with Our Admissions Experts
- Gain a competitive edge to stand out in today’s highly selective admissions process
- Simplify the essay journey with tailored, one-on-one guidance that walks you through the entire writing process
- Boost confidence with support that makes essay writing manageable and highlights what’s most important to admissions officers
- Enjoy peace of mind knowing the final draft will be polished, compelling, and ready for submission
The Essay Advising Process

Essay Consultation Meeting
Start with a 1-hour session that prepares you for your essay journey. Our experts will help you understand what admissions officers are looking for and how to align your essay with your overall application strategy.

Expert Feedback
Receive detailed feedback on your essays from a Kaplan advising expert, so you can pinpoint your strengths and areas to improve.

Final Essay Revision and Coaching Meeting
Wrap up with another 1-hour session where your college essay reviewer will coach you through final edits, ensuring your essays are polished, compelling, and ready for submission.
You Get All of This
- College essay writing help from an admissions insider
- Personalized brainstorming for unique essay topics
- Detailed essay feedback and insights
- Final draft review and enhancement
Stand Out in a Sea of Applications
While grades and test scores may showcase your academic abilities, the essays are where your unique personality, experiences, and aspirations shine. Our admission essay writing experts will help you gain a deeper understanding of what makes you distinct and articulate it to your top colleges.
Showcase Your Achievements
Admissions officers value resilience, adaptability, leadership, and growth—all qualities that can be demonstrated through the stories you choose to share. Your Kaplan essay consultant will help you illustrate your dedication, challenges, and lessons learned, showing what you can uniquely contribute to a campus community.
Leave an Impression That Lasts
A well-written essay can resonate with admissions committee readers long after they’ve moved on to the next application. With Kaplan’s experts in your corner, you’ll know the most compelling themes—and the most effective ways to tell colleges that you’re the best fit for their school.
Have More Questions?
Talk to an admissions expert and have all your questions about our Essay Advising answered. You'll know exactly where you stand—and where to go next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kaplan the best choice for college counseling support?
Kaplan is the premier choice for college counseling support due to our extensive experience and established reputation. With more than 80 years in the education services industry, we bring a wealth of knowledge to the admissions process that few can match. Trusted by more than one million families, we are a respected leader with unique partnerships with highly selective colleges and cutting-edge organizations. Our Advisors combine decades of expertise with innovative AI technology to ensure personalized attention and a focus on your success.
How many essays will my Advisor review?
It depends on your needs. The number of essays your Advisor will review with you varies based on what you want to achieve. Some students may need support solely for their personal statement, while others might seek assistance with several supplemental essays or all of their application essays.
Our Essay Package provides support for up to 800 words in total. The number of essays and the specific essays your Advisor helps with will depend on the word count of each prompt and the essays you choose to focus on.
I need last-minute essay writing help right before my deadline! Is this for me?
We know how stressful and overwhelming the admissions process can be, especially when it comes to college essay requirements. While we do our best to accommodate last-minute requests, our ability to help depends on the availability of our Advisors and ensuring enough time for thoughtful, effective feedback. The deadline to enroll in the Essay Package for a November 1st submission is October 25th. If you need support after the enrollment deadline, let us know and we’ll do our best to assist you.
If I already have a draft of my essay(s), is this going to help me?
Absolutely! Writing a college essay isn't just about crafting well-written sentences; it’s about telling a story that resonates with admissions committees. Your essay needs to accomplish two key goals: first, it should demonstrate why you’re a great fit for their institution by highlighting the qualities, strengths, and passions that align with their student body. Second, it must convey your authentic voice, sharing something unique about you that isn’t already evident in your application. Let our Advisors review your essays to ensure they achieve both objectives, complement your overall narrative, and set you apart in a highly competitive applicant pool.
If I need more essay review time, can I add additional hours?
Of course! We are committed to providing support that aligns with your individual needs. If you feel you would benefit from additional rounds of revision, please schedule a consultation with one of our industry experts. During our chat, we’ll assess and customize a package that fits you and your budget perfectly.
My current essay is too long. Can my Advisor help me cut it down?
Yes, this is a common challenge for many students, and we’re here to help you refine your draft to meet the word limit while showcasing your strengths. Your Advisor will provide thorough feedback that will guide you in identifying areas that can be condensed, including how to begin a college essay and how to end a college essay in a compelling yet succinct way, ensuring you keep the substance and remove any unnecessary fluff.
I need help with more than just essays. Do you offer other advising packages?
Of course! While essays play a crucial role in your application, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. At Kaplan, we emphasize the importance of strategically navigating every aspect of the admissions process to create the strongest possible applications for the right fit schools. Whether you’re just starting out and need help building a college list, or you’re nearing the end and seeking expert feedback on your admission essay, we can assist you. Schedule a consultation with one of our industry experts who can assess your needs and provide a customized counseling package to help you achieve a successful admissions outcome.
What if I have a question between sessions? Can I talk to my Advisor?
Yes, our Advisors are dedicated to your success and are available to clarify any feedback, ensuring you fully benefit from their support. Advisors are happy to answer any questions related to admission essay writing or college essays in general.