College applications can be stressful and difficult for many seniors and their families as they are applying to schools. Some think they may have found a tool that helps ease the stress and guides them in the right direction when applying: the use of college coaches.

Senior Alyssa R* has used the help of a college coach this fall when preparing for applications.

“I had a lot of college essays to write, [I] had to write [my] common app essay and five additional essays and supplements,” said Alyssa when explaining her reasoning in seeking professional guidance.

College coaches are approached by students as extra help they may seek on top of their guidance counselor. The WA guidance department works to help students throughout the college process. However, some students decide to receive some additional help on their essays or other aspects of college applications. 

“My job is to help all students here with the college process, that’s a family decision, I want to help all my students regardless whether they have someone like that or not,” said Guidance Counselor Heidi Hider. “I feel like we do a great job here, [so] no I don’t feel it is necessary, but if a family feels like that is another recourse they want, then great.”

Alyssa has met with a professional for many weeks, starting before her first deadline, and she will continue to meet with her college coach until she is fully done writing essays and applying.

Alyssa heard about the idea of a college coach from a peer who also uses one and found it very beneficial and recommended this one coach in particular.

“[It was beneficial] to get feedback from that point of view [since she has experience as] an admissions counselor,” adds Alyssa. “[I found] it very helpful, [and I] would recommend it,” said Alyssa

Alyssa plans on applying to nine schools and, within those applications, she has to submit a total of five essays. With the help of her college coach, she now feels more confident about her essays being read by admission counselors. Her essays she wrote with the guidance of a former admissions counselor and now college coach are strong and reach the standards of her colleges.

“I feel confident [in my essays that the colleges are going to see, because of the help I have received,” said Alyssa. 

*Name is shortened for identity reasons