Ethan Sawyer
College essay and admissions coaching for students and families
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $240 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | United States |
| Sessions | Online |
| Credentials | B Corp certified company |
| Practice | College Essay Guy |
Ethan Sawyer is the founder of College Essay Guy, a company that coaches students and families on college essays and applications. The team offers one-on-one essay coaching and full admissions counseling. Each student works with a coach, and specialists and former admission officers also review the writing. The company also runs the Matchlighters Scholars Program, which pairs students from low-income households with counselors at no cost. It offers many free guides, podcasts and webinars.
What Ethan helps with
The team helps students write college application essays and manage the whole admissions process. Families can get help with one piece or with the full plan.
- Writing the personal statement
- Writing supplemental essays
- Finding uncommon essay topics without a life-changing story
- Choosing an essay structure that fits the student's writing style
- Building a college list and admissions strategy
- Avoiding last-minute rushing before deadlines
- Understanding financial aid and scholarships
Who Ethan works with
The team works with students applying to college and with their parents. It also offers resources for counselors and educators. Students do not need to be strong writers or have a dramatic story to tell. Students from low-income households can apply to a free program.
How Ethan works
Each student is paired with a coach for one-on-one sessions. The coach helps the student find their core values, skills and interests. Together they brainstorm topics for the personal statement, supplemental essays and resume. The coach helps pick an essay structure, such as a single narrative or a montage of moments. Coaches use time-management strategies to keep the work steady. A team of specialists and former admission officers also reviews the writing throughout the process.
Background and qualifications
College Essay Guy is led by Ethan Sawyer and staffed by a team of essay coaches and veteran college counselors. The team includes specialists and former admission officers who review student work. The company started the Matchlighters Scholars Program in 2016 to give free college counseling to motivated students from low-income households. It is a B Corp and offers free resources plus pay-what-you-can spots in its online courses.
Ethan Sawyer pricing
Programs and services
- One-on-one college essay coaching
- One-on-one college admissions counseling
- UC essay coaching
- Online courses, live and on demand
- Free 30-minute consultation
- Matchlighters Scholars Program
Ethan Sawyer reviews
The CoachVouch take
The company runs a free counseling program for students from low-income households and offers pay-what-you-can spots in its courses.
Best for students and parents who want a coach and a team to guide college essays and applications.
Common questions
How much does Ethan Sawyer charge?
Coaching with Ethan runs $150 to $240 an hour. Message Ethan from this page for an exact quote.
What does Ethan Sawyer help with?
Ethan Sawyer helps with writing the personal statement, writing supplemental essays, finding uncommon essay topics without a life-changing story and choosing an essay structure that fits the student's writing style.
Does Ethan Sawyer coach online?
Ethan is based in United States. Sessions are online.
Is Ethan Sawyer certified?
Ethan Sawyer lists: B Corp certified company.
Does College Essay Guy offer help if a family has a small budget?
Yes. The Matchlighters Scholars Program gives free counseling to motivated students from low-income households. Most online courses are pay-what-you-can.
Does College Essay Guy help with the whole admissions process or only essays?
It does both. The team offers essay coaching and admissions counseling that covers the college list and overall strategy.
How do I contact Ethan Sawyer?
Send Ethan a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.