Essay and Application Consulting

Unsure if your essay and Application truly reflects who you are?

College essays don’t have to be overwhelming. At Cardinal College Consulting, we turn stress into confidence with personalized, step-by-step coaching tailored to you. From discovering the perfect essay angle to navigating the entire application process, we're with you every step of the way. Whether you're crafting your narrative or polishing your resume and activities list, we'll help you bring your unique story to life. The result? A powerful, authentic application that stands out—and a student who feels ready to take on the admissions journey with clarity and confidence.

Woman with glasses biting a pencil in frustration, sitting at a desk with a laptop and colorful pencils in a holder.

Essay Consulting Includes:

  • Personalized Brainstorming – Work one-on-one with an advisor to uncover meaningful experiences, reflections, and stories that authentically highlight your personality and achievements.

  • Topic Selection & Prompt Analysis – Receive expert guidance in choosing essay topics that align with your goals and resonate with admissions committees.

  • Structural & Thematic Planning – Organize your ideas into a clear, coherent outline that ensures your narrative flows smoothly from introduction to conclusion.

  • Draft Review & In-Depth Feedback – Get comprehensive edits and comments on clarity, style, tone, and content, focusing on what makes your story unique.

  • Multiple Revisions – Fine-tune your essay through several rounds of revision to polish language, tighten structure, and reinforce your core message.

  • Supplementary Essays & Short Answers – Benefit from specialized support for all written components, including those secondary essays that are often overlooked but equally important.

  • Grammar & Proofreading Support – Ensure your final drafts are error-free, concise, and professional with thorough reviews from experienced editors.

  • Confidence & Clarity Building – Develop a clear sense of purpose, direction, and self-assurance in your writing, so your personal voice comes through in every essay.

  • Ongoing Communication & Guidance – Stay connected with your advisor throughout the process for quick questions, final checks, and last-minute advice.

Application Consulting Includes:

  • Profile Review & Goal-Setting
    Assess academic records, extracurriculars, and personal achievements to craft a strategic admissions plan tailored to your strengths and aspirations.

  • College List Curation
    Identify potential colleges that align with your preferences in terms of size, location, culture, and academic programs, ensuring a well-balanced list of options.

  • Timeline & Milestone Mapping
    Develop a clear schedule for all application components—including deadlines, essay drafts, recommendation requests, and test registrations—to keep you organized and stress-free.

  • Application Strategy Consultation
    Get expert advice on how to position your accomplishments, highlight your unique traits, and address any gaps or concerns in your profile.

  • Resume & Activities Section Guidance
    Learn how to document extracurriculars, leadership roles, and community involvement in a concise, impactful format that resonates with admissions officers.

  • Recommendation Letter Coordination
    Receive tips on selecting recommenders, providing them with helpful context, and ensuring their endorsements reinforce your overall application narrative.

  • Essay Alignment & Consistency
    Ensure that your essays and short answers align with the larger application narrative, painting a cohesive, compelling picture of who you are.

  • Application Review & Edits
    Benefit from detailed edits on structure, clarity, and presentation for each application section, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

  • Interview Preparation
    Practice interview skills and learn effective techniques to approach both in-person and virtual settings with confidence.

  • Final Submission Checklist
    Before sending off applications, get a thorough review of all materials to confirm accuracy, completeness, and polish.

Packages and Pricing

At Cardinal College Consulting, we believe expert guidance should come with clarity, not confusion. While every student's journey is different, our pricing reflects the depth of our support and the flexibility to meet your specific needs.

We understand that investing in college consulting is a significant financial decision for families. That’s why we offer a range of options—from one-time essay help to comprehensive multi-year plans—so you can choose what makes the most sense for your goals and budget.

Services typically range from a few hundred dollars for ad hoc one-time support to several thousand for in-depth, long-term advising. We work with students from 8th through 12th grade, and our packages can be customized to span a single year or serve as a multi-year roadmap. Essay coaching is also available on its own, with tiered options for up to 3, 6, or 10 schools.

Reach out to learn more—we’ll walk you through your options and help you find the right fit.