If you, or someone you know, is applying to college: read this book! Ashley Wellington is a pro and offers a ton of advice at a fraction of the cost you’d find through a paid service.

My takeaway is Wellington’s attempt to find the applicants voice, making them stand-out, while not crossing boundaries of acceptability. In other words, being unique, but not offensive or errant. Every chapter walks through the creative process, developing a strong response to the typical essay question. Wellington includes many essay’s she has personally coached through the process, highlighting what works, what is risky, and what doesn’t work.

There are essay samples, but not as many as I would have expected. Mainly what you’ll find are outlines of strategy followed by Wellington’s estimated reactions, both positive and negative.

You may be tempted to overthink the essay, binding you in the writing process, but Wellington tries to minimalize that with her experienced guidelines. For instance, there is a whole chapter providing a list of acceptable contractions, as well as instances when to use them (such as letter count limits).

Writers in general will find some useful advice; essay writers will find this a “must have”.

Thanks to Ten Speed Press and Crown Publishing for sending this to me for review.