“A very helpful guide for all of those completing college applications, I couldn't recommend this book enough. It's entertaining, informative, and it includes detailed instructions and exercises to help you brainstorm your perfect essay topics as well as great examples of completed essays. It truly is a great resource to have in your writing arsenal.”

- Brenda Zhao (Amazon Customer)

“Even as an experienced college admissions consultant who already felt capable in guiding students through the essay-writing process, I learned a lot and discovered many tools I can use. Ethan's coverage of the "montage structure" is especially helpful. For a student who is willing to really put in some time and work, it would be hard to beat this book.”

- Big Tex (Amazon Customer)

READ THE FIRST CHAPTER FOR FREE

this is the BEST |  ★★★★★

"I purchased 3 different college essay books and by far, this is the BEST and really provides a step by step approach for students to come up with ideas to write a college essay based on two questions - if you have faced challenges or not and if you know what you want to do for career or not. Most other books focus on the basics or what not to write and to write from your heart and make it personal - this goes in a lot more details than any other book I've come across. Definitely a great book to have as reference. "

-Mom of Two, Amazon Customer

Ethan Sawyer is the College Essay Guy  |  ★★★★★

“That kind of says it all. While he may have named himself that, he has earned the title. His passion for writing essays that is conveyed in this book, will help any student get through the somewhat stressful and daunting process with fun and ease. As a college counselor, I have used some of Ethan’s methods to help my own clients write their essays. The great thing about this book is that it brings the College Essay Guy and his methods, brainstorming exercises, structures and ideas to everyone. Ethan is inspirational and College Essay Essentials is a must have for any student (or counselor) who is looking to be inspired to write a successful college admissions essay.”

– gonzo14, Amazon Customer

I absolutely love this book  |  ★★★★★

"I read about 10 different books on writing essays for college applications to help prepare my son for his senior year. This book was by FAR the best. I had my son read it (the only one I had him read) and he grudgingly agreed to work through the process that Ethan lays out in the book. The step by step approach was instrumental in helping him figure out how to structure his essay and what sorts of topics might lend themselves to an effective essay. It was brief enough that he could read it, get it, and then utilize it for his essays in short order. If you are just getting started on the application process, you might really appreciate this point. I know we did.

Now that the apps are in, he is hearing back. All acceptances so far (6 schools with 8 still to go) and multiple merit financial aid awards that I attribute, at least in part, to the strength of the essay he managed to write. The process is laid out nicely for me to help him get to his deepest story, an essential piece of the essay that MUST be done in order for the essay to be effective at setting the student apart from others.” 

–JohnP387, Amazon User

An Essential Source for College Essay Writing Advice  |  ★★★★★

“Ethan Sawyer has managed to distill all the wonderful information he provides in his classes and consultations into this highly informative and entertaining book. The only thing missing is the twinkle in his eyes as he connects with his audience! I highly recommend this book to parents, students and college counseling professionals who want to help students write compelling essays as part of the college admissions process. The exercises are engaging, and the step-by-step instructions are designed to create deep and insightful essays. I have tried these tips with my students, and they work extremely well.” 

–Wendie Lubick

If there's one book you need, this is it.  |  ★★★★★

“This is THE BOOK for writing your college essay. It has everything I need, from planning my essay to specific strategies on structure and idea implementation. It's also very easy to read and formatted very neatly, with great annotation space and well-organized chapters. But what I love about this book most is its ability to help me find myself in the process - instead of churning out a formula for writing a solid essay, this book helps you dig deep into the things which are truly important to you with thought-provoking questions and brainstorm strategies. I felt like the author was sitting next to me, probing my brain and asking me questions about my life and the threads that connect the different themes in my life. If you want to write a college essay that is personal, insightful, and truly revealing, this is the book for you.”

–pinendlz, Amazon User

Discover and connect with what you care about (in 20 minutes)

Create a college list with schools you’re excited about and can get into

Make sure your application is doing its job

You’ll also:

• Figure out which schools will likely make themselves affordable to you

• Decide whether to apply early or not

• Make your activities list clear and attention grabbing

• Make the most of your additional information section

• Save hours of time on your supplemental essays

• Brainstorm and structure your personal statement

• Write a “Why Us?” essay that shows why you’re a great fit for a school

• Get a great letter of recommendation from people who know and like you

• Develop a “message box” for your interview

• Analyze your financial aid award and write an appeal

• Plus, tips and resources for students who identify as Artists, Athletes, First- Gen, Undocumented, LGBTQ+, Self-Directed, and much more.

How to Discover and Connect with What You Care About in Twenty Minutes

Ethan Sawyer is a nationally recognized college essay expert, sought-after speaker, and author of College Essay Essentials. Each year he helps thousands of students and counselors through his online courses, workshops, articles, products, and books, and works privately with a small number of students.

Raised in Spain, Ecuador, and Colombia, Ethan has studied at seventeen different schools, is a graduate from Northwestern University, and holds an MFA from UC Irvine as well as two counseling certificates. He has worked as a teacher, curriculum writer, voice actor, motivational speaker, community organizer, and truck driver. He is a certified Myers-Briggs® specialist, and his type (ENFJ) will tell you that he will show up on time, that he'll be excited to meet you, and that, more than anything, he is committed to-and an expert in-helping you realize your potential.