Show them what you’re made of.

Turn your personal narrative into a compelling application essay or personal statement.

 
 

Our personal statement coaches and college application essay tutors support clients seeking admission to a wide variety of academic, creative and professional programs, delivering tailored writing help through one-on-one virtual workshops. Contact us to make your story shine in today’s competitive application landscape.

 
 

cover letters - college application essays - common app essays - scholarship application essays - medical school application personal statements - dental school application personal statements - law school application personal statements - MBA application essays - PhD applications - fellowship applications - artists’ residency applications - more

 

explore personal statements

 

Our Pillars

Learn what sets the Gilliam Writers Group apart.

 

A Hands-On Approach

write better, together.

 
Gilliam Writers Group is committed to providing actionable, practical feedback that helps every client become a better writer, no matter their training or goals. We believe that a writing coach should offer not only technical support, but a collaborative, participatory learning experience, to each person they work with. The interactive, growth-oriented nature of this service is what distinguishes writing coaching from editing; while editing is asynchronous, coaching calls for real-time human connection. While editing is product-focused, coaching attends equally to the writer, their product, and their process of production.

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GWG’s personal statement coaches take a hands-on approach to our clients’ writing. Though this might seem incompatible with the virtual format of our meetings, it isn’t; we’ve found that our online sessions are highly effective for learning — not despite, but because of their digital format. Meeting on Zoom and Google Docs allows the participants to engage with written text in organic, cooperative ways; by collaborating on cloud-based documents, our coaches can shift seamlessly between dialogue and demonstration, idea and experiment, critique and revision. The virtual environment introduces an unprecedented level of immediacy into the workshopping process, making it possible for us to intervene in our clients’ output far more naturally than we could in a physical setting.
Practically speaking, this means our writing coaches can mark up your work with you live on video, demystifying editorial methods. We can observe your writing process unfolding in real time and provide actionable pointers on technique. We can instantly demonstrate the skills you want to learn — all without the awkwardness of peering over each other’s shoulders or passing notebooks back and forth.
If you’re still feeling uncertain (or excited!) about the logistics of one-on-one personal statement classes online, we invite you to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation call. One of our skilled Enrollment Managers will be happy to answer any questions you may have and match you with a professional writing coach. If you’re ready to take the plunge and schedule your first coaching session, book your call today.

Long-Term Collaboration

coaching changes lives.

 
Whether you’re a college-bound student hoping to get accepted into your dream school in need of admission essay writing help, or a professional in need of help writing a convincing cover letter that stands out from the rest, we hope you’ll consider building a long-term creative partnership with your GWG personal statement coach. Why? Because the longer you work with a writing coach, the more impactful their insight becomes. A coach’s most valuable assets — nuanced interpersonal awareness, an intuitive grasp of clients’ evolving skill sets, and deep familiarity with their work — aren’t available off-the-shelf.

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These layers of comprehension take time to emerge, relying on data from months and even years of regular meetings. As time passes and the client-coach relationship deepens, this data becomes understanding, and informs our work as creative writing coaches in countless beneficial ways. We rely on the long process of trial and error to gain perspective on which interventions lead to the greatest improvements in a given client’s writing, for example, or which strategies most consistently mitigate their writer’s block. The more thoroughly we know our clients as individuals, the more precisely and impactfully we can apply our expertise to their writing.
Many of our senior faculty members have met with the same clients weekly for years; in fact, several of GWG’s very first customers are still active in our community today. Long-term collaboration is a core value of the Gilliam Writers Group, foundational to both the sustainability of our business and the quality of our services.

Qualified Faculty

training you can trust.

 
The Gilliam Writers Group faculty is composed of highly trained writers, expert editors, and experienced writing consultants. Scroll through our Faculty page and you’ll see graduate degrees in writing and literature from the country’s top MFA and PhD programs; years of professional experience in the publishing industry, media, business, and education; and exemplary track records of literary publication.

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Writing by our faculty and emeritus faculty appears in top publications including Slate, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Bookforum, Artforum, CNN Opinions, Granta, Foreign Policy, JSTOR Daily, Vice, Longreads, Al Jazeera, The New York Review of Books, Electric Lit, The Rumpus, Catapult, Los Angeles Review of Books, Food & Wine, and more.
We have been published by Simon and Schuster and Penguin Random House, among other presses large and small, and have earned multiple awards and prizes for fiction, poetry, and criticism.
Before hiring an online writing instructor through the Gilliam Writers Group, we invite you to request a writing sample from their portfolio. That way, you can experience for yourself the exceptional combination of talent and training our team has to offer.

Our Solutions

From personal statements to cover letters, from Common App essays to supplementals, from college to grad school and everything beyond — our application writing coaches have your back.

College Application Essay Consulting

Your dream school is within reach.

 
In today's competitive college admissions landscape, a compelling essay is more important than ever to make your application stand out. Other services may offer editing or proofreading, but we go beyond that; our personal statement tutors work extensively with you to help hone your story, as well as offer constructive feedback and suggestions to make your college application essay truly representative of you and your goals.

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Navigating the Common Application essay can be daunting, but with our experienced college essay consultants by your side, you can approach this pivotal aspect of your application with confidence. Even choosing the right prompt to answer may feel formidable! Our faculty will guide will through every step of the writing process, from choosing a prompt to answering it in a truthful, self-exploratory way that captures the essence of what you have already accomplished and how you will continue to grow.
Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve your existing draft, our Common App essay consulting services are tailored to help you elevate your narrative and leave a lasting impression on college admissions committees.
The college application essay is a truly unique genre that can be difficult to approach without feeling self-aggrandizing or falling back on clichés. However, like all writing genres, getting good at it just takes practice. With our expertise, you'll transform your ideas into a compelling personal statement that is both beautifully written and reflective of your own core values. At Gilliam Writers Group, we never underestimate the impact of a well-crafted personal essay.
To learn more about college application essay coaching, please reach out to schedule a no-cost consultation call with a representative from our leadership team. Though our services are almost exclusively virtual, clients looking for college admissions consulting near you should still feel free to contact us with the relevant details. In a limited number of cases, we may be able to organize sessions in New York City, where many of our coaches live.

Advanced Degree Application Support

forge your academic future.

 
Our online writing coaches are here to guide all types of aspiring graduate students through crafting compelling and impactful application essays to achieve success within their specific academic field. Our team of experienced personal statement tutors are dedicated to helping you navigate the competitive world of admissions essays, ensuring that your unique story and aspirations shine through. Whether you're pursuing a Master's, MBA, MD, JD, DDS, or a PhD, our personalized approach to coaching is designed to elevate your application and increase your chances of securing a spot in the program of your dreams.

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Embarking on your journey to advanced education can be intimidating. But our team of writing coaches and consultants will work with you on all stages of the graduate school essay application process. The application essay must not only demonstrate your past achievements, but also anticipate what you will achieve in the future. Many schools are concerned less about whether you follow the exact path you lay out in your application essay, but rather about whether this path promises to make a unique contribution to the field. In other words, your essay must demonstrate your understanding of how research works in your field and show your preparation to complete said research over the course of months or years.
But explaining past and future research makes no impact if you cannot weave a story about your life around it. At Gilliam Writers Group, our team of specialized essay writing tutors are published writers equipped to help you find the narrative potential of your own story as you apply for any type of continuing education, whether you’re an aspiring doctor, lawyer, nurse, or anything in between. If different schools require slightly different essays, we can help you tweak a basic essay template and individualize your submission to every program.
Applying to business school? Crafting a compelling narrative for your MBA application is essential in the competitive business school landscape. Our MBA essay writing consultant services focus on highlighting your leadership potential, professional experiences, and unique qualities that make you a standout candidate in the dynamic world of business education.
If your sights are set on law school, know that our experienced law school application consultants understand not only the importance of, but the most effective structures for, a well-crafted personal statement in your field. Writing skills are crucial for lawyers, so don’t let this opportunity to showcase yours go to waste. Our team can assist you with individualized law school personal statement consulting to convincingly articulate your passion for justice as well as relevant experiences that will make you stand out and succeed in the legal field.
Securing a spot in medical school requires more than just impressive grades; it demands a persuasive, authentic, and informative personal statement. Our medical school admissions consulting service will help you craft an application essay that delves into your distinctive experiences and aspirations. A Gilliam Writers Group medical school applications coach will ensure that you articulate why you are not just one of many candidates, but a future leader in the medical community. Additionally, our coaches can assist you with dental personal statement help, or nursing personal statement help, if those are your academic goals within the medical education field.
For aspiring PhD candidates, embarking on a doctoral degree requires a compelling application that communicates your specific research interests and academic intentions. Our PhD admissions consultants are here to help you articulate your scholarly pursuits, demonstrate your research capabilities, and present a convincing case for your candidacy in graduate school.
Whatever your goals, at Gilliam Writers Group, we are here to help you transform your application essay into a powerful and genuine narrative that will demonstrate your potential to any admissions committee. Your advanced academic journey begins with the right words, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Cover Letter Writing Help

Your gateway to professional success.

 
A well-written cover letter can be the difference between getting the job or losing out to another applicant. Our team of experienced online writing coaches are here to guide you through the intricacies of crafting a compelling cover letter that showcases your particular strengths and qualifications for any job application.

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Working with our cover letter writing consulting team means gaining a competitive edge in your job search. Our expert online writing coaches offer personalized assistance tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate entering the workforce for the first time, your cover letter will need to convey both what you’ve already achieved and where you hope to make a difference in the future. Our coaching and personal statement help online will ensure that your cover letter effectively communicates your unique skills, experiences, and career aspirations.
When working collaboratively with you on your cover letter, our personal statement coaches will provide comprehensive support at every stage of the writing process. From brainstorming key points to refining the final draft, together we’ll work to ensure your cover letter stands out to potential employers. Our personalized approach goes beyond generic templates, allowing you to create a cover letter that reflects your individuality and aligns with the specific requirements of your target career goals.
Let our online writing coaches empower you with the skills and confidence needed to articulate your professional story effectively. At GWG, we want to work with you to ensure that your cover letter becomes a powerful tool in your job application arsenal.
Ready to land the job of your dreams? Take the first step toward career success with our expert guidance and unlock new opportunities with a standout cover letter. Just click on one of the "free consultation" buttons scattered throughout this page to book your no-cost, 15-minute consultation call with a Gilliam Writers Group Enrollment Manager.

 Determining Fit

Is Gilliam right for you? Learn more about how – and who – a personal statement coach can help.

  • Students looking for college admissions essay writing help or common application essay help

    Applicants to Master’s, JD, MD, MBA, DDS, or PhD programs looking for admission essay help

    Recent graduates entering the workforce looking for help writing cover letters for job applications

    Professionals looking for cover letter writing help to continue to grow within their own industry

    Professionals looking to make a career shift and need help writing a convincing cover letter

    Any individual in need of coaching for any type of personal statement help online

  • Guide you in discussing and brainstorming personal statement topic ideas

    Coach you through the process of outlining and structuring your personal statement essay

    Work with you to edit, restructure, and improve your existing work.

    Offer thoughtful notes and suggestions all through the writing process to hone your unique writing style

    Give you the skills you need to revise your own work independently, whether you’re writing at a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level

    Support you in finding your voice as a writer

    Teach you to communicate more clearly and elegantly in your essay writing

    Reinforce your mastery of grammar and punctuation, even by providing formal grammar lessons if desired

    Strengthen your overall writing practice by advising you on time management, planning, and writing strategy

    Meet with you regularly on a weekly or biweekly basis (online via video chat and a shared digital document) for writing coaching or tutoring

    Offer encouragement and motivation beyond technical feedback

    Facilitate engaging and productive writing coaching sessions, even when you don’t show up with any written work

    Match you with a well-qualified and unobjectionable personal statement coach

    Provide and co-sign a thorough NDA to protect your privacy as a client of the Gilliam Writers Group

  • Write application essays or cover letters on your behalf

    Read or edit your personal statement without payment, on our own time

    Take responsibility for your attendance at coaching sessions (though we will absolutely remind and encourage you to attend)

    Force you to maintain a certain writing schedule (we can help you create a schedule, but we cannot ensure that you stick to it)

    Guarantee admission to college, graduate school, or acceptance of any job application.

    Tolerate plagiarism of any kind

    Take the place of a therapist – we are coaches, tutors and editors, not counselors

    Guarantee that one of our faculty members will be available to provide a personal statement tutor near you (we do, however, guarantee that we can provide personal statement help online of the very highest quality)

    Act as your representative or personal correspondent to admissions boards, hiring managers, or any other person or entity

Pricing

Personal statement coaching and personal statement tutoring cost between $85 and $200 per hour. To learn more about our rate structure, use the drop-down menu below or visit our pricing page for time-based services.

  • The Gilliam Writers Group bills hourly for online personal statement coaching, and personal statement tutoring, following our standard rate model for time-based services.

Getting Started

Connect with a personal statement writing coach in 3 simple steps. Our onboarding process is thorough and convenient, resulting in successful client-coach matches.

Step 1

Schedule your consultation.

 
To connect with a personal statement writing coach on the Gilliam Writers Group faculty, we invite you to first schedule a free, 15-minute consultation call with a representative from our company’s leadership team.

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During this intake call, we’ll guide you through a series of standardized questions about your background, experience, and goals, taking detailed notes on your responses. These notes will form the basis of your client brief – an internal document central to GWG’s client-coach matching process. The client brief ensures that we can help you find a personal statement coach who suits your particular needs and preferences. After answering any lingering questions, your representative will conclude the call and email you two important documents.
First, you’ll receive our new client onboarding brochure, a PDF containing useful resources including a list of best practices, contact information for everyone on our leadership team, and the link to a feedback form you can submit at any point during your work with the Gillam Writers Group. Second, you will receive a link to our service agreement (fillable online). We co-sign this form with all new clients to establish clear terms of engagement and, above all, to protect your interests – for example, to legally bind ourselves to nondisclosure. You can later dissolve this agreement at any time, for any reason, with just 24 hours’ notice.

Step 2

Connect with your coach.

 
Within 24 hours of your consultation call, your newly assigned writing coach will reach out via email and text to schedule your first session.

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At this point, they’ll already have a clear sense of your background, needs, and preferred meeting schedule; it is our policy to always read a new client’s brief before making contact. This mitigates redundancy in GWG’s onboarding process; as you establish communication with your personal statement coach, you won’t need to rehash the basics of your interest in application essay writing help, for example, or the personality profile of your ideal personal statement tutor. Your coach will already be in the loop.

Step 3

Enjoy your first session.

 
Our online writing coaching sessions take place on Zoom and Google Docs, and emphasize guided, real-time practice combined with immediate feedback.

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The structure of your first session will depend largely on your particular needs and the discernment of your coach; there is no standard formula, though most such meetings are necessarily focused on gathering information, assessing the client’s writing and goals, and developing a plan of action. After your first session, we suggest that you and your coach agree on a regular weekly or biweekly (once every two weeks) meeting time and stick to it. Over the years, we have found that consistent weekly or biweekly sessions generate the clearest improvements in our clients’ writing and writing processes.
The Gilliam Writers Group is primarily an online company; however, if you’re interested in setting up in-person personal statement tutoring near you, please contact us. In certain cases, we may be able to offer a personal statement writing coursein NYC, which is home to a large part of our community.

Swapping Coaches

just in case.

 
If you find that you and your writing coach aren’t a match, or you decide to work with other GWG faculty in the future, our leadership team can support you in choosing another personal statement writing coach.

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Before matching you with another faculty member, we will usually suggest that you first tell your writing coach as clearly as possible what you believe is missing in your work together. Open, honest dialogue is essential to the service we offer; all GWG coaches are gifted with strong interpersonal skills, but none of us can read minds.
If clear communication does not yield the hoped-for results, or you no longer want to work with your writing coach for any reason, just let our leadership team know. We’ll initiate a new, more streamlined client-coach matching process, supplementing your original client brief (the one created during your initial consultation call) with updated information to reflect both your progress and the reasons you are pausing work with your previous coach.

Interested in working with a personal statement coach?

Schedule a free consultation call with a Gilliam Writers Group Enrollment Manager. We’ll help you find a writing coach online in 24 hours or less.

You can book your call directly on our scheduling page by clicking the button below:

 

  • Brady Gilliam, Founder

  • Tadeh Kennedy, Enrollment Manager

  • Misha McDaniel, Enrollment Manager

 

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