College essay coaching by Will Marshall

An essay admissions readers remember.

Wherever you are in the process, I can help.

Most students come to me somewhere in the middle. That's totally normal. I can help from first idea to final polish. AI can't tell your story. I'll help you write an essay that's truly your own.

Brainstorming

Let's brainstorm. I'll help you find a moment worth telling (it doesn't have to be sad, dramatic, or big) and drill down into what makes it yours.

Drafting

We'll write a strong opening together and map out each paragraph, so the blank page stops being scary.

Revising

I'll give line edits and structural suggestions to tighten the story, sharpen the scenes, and make every line move it forward.

Proofreading

I'll proofread and copy edit, so nothing distracts from your story. (Typos, grammar, word count, the works.)

Common App personal statements · Supplemental essays · Scholarship essays · Grad school personal statements

How it works.

Free

30-minute intro call

A relaxed meet-and-greet on Zoom. We'll talk about where you are with your essays, what's due when, and whether we're a good fit. Parents and guardians are welcome on the intro call too.

$100 · 90 minutes

Writing Conference

A one-on-one working session on Zoom: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, or feedback on a draft. Every session ends with clear next steps. Book as many or as few as you need.

Book a free 30-min intro call

Will Marshall, smiling, in glasses and a blue checked shirt

Hi, I'm Will Marshall.

As a lifelong writer, I know how overwhelming a blank page can feel. For about 10 years I've helped college applicants break through that "stuck" feeling and tell their story.

I spent 6+ years at the writing nonprofit 826 Boston, where I ran its college essay tutoring program, and I've coached students one-on-one since 2022. All told, I've helped over 100 students with their college essays. I studied journalism at NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, graduating with honors, which taught me that a great story is all in how it's told.

I'm based in Boston and work with students anywhere over Zoom. I speak English, Italian, and Spanish.

826 Boston, 6+ yrs100+ students helpedNYU Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, honorsCoaching since 2022

What students say

…the push I needed.

“Working with Will was the push I needed to create my essay. From the idea to the organization of it all, I would have never been able to write with so much confidence and ease.”

Lena· 12th grade

…an essay I was proud of.

“Will helped me create an essay I was proud of. He was easy and fun to work with and made the essay writing a learning experience rather than something I had to get done.”

Abe· 12th grade

It didn’t feel like regular tutoring.

“It didn't feel like regular tutoring. It felt more like we were working together and bouncing ideas off each other, which made it feel so natural and it worked really well.”

Ollie· 12th grade

Let's get the ball rolling.

Whether you haven't started or you're one proofread away from done, a free 30-minute call is the easiest first step.