Earning Over $200,000 a Year as a College Essay Coach

Carter Osborne's journey into becoming a high-earning college essay tutor began as a practical move. With tuition fees for his graduate studies looming, he turned to tutoring as a side job to alleviate the burden of student loans. After completing his undergraduate studies at Stanford, he pursued his master's at the University of Washington, relying heavily on loans to cover the cost. Tutoring seemed like an effective way to manage these expenses quickly.

Initially, Carter offered tutoring services in general school subjects, test preparations like the SAT, and college essay writing. However, the more he engaged with students, the more he realized his true passion lay in guiding them through crafting their personal college essays. This niche area allowed him to combine his interest in creative writing with his work, helping students explore and express their personal stories.

After deciding to focus solely on essays, Carter's business found its footing. This specialization might have narrowed his target audience but it also established him as a sought-after expert in the field. Within two years, his earnings neared $30,000, nearly enough to clear his student debts.

The Unexpected Growth Due to the Pandemic

Post-graduation, Carter embarked on a career in public relations with a global company while still harboring an interest in governance and policy advocacy. Initially, he intended to quit tutoring due to the logistical challenges of meeting students in-person amidst his demanding PR job.

However, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic simplified things, as online sessions via Zoom became the norm. This transition provided a 'silver lining' for Carter, who could now manage both his professions more effortlessly. What he presumed would be the final year of his tutoring endeavor saw a continuation due to referrals pouring in from satisfied clients.

Balancing Two Jobs Proves Overwhelming

Juggling his PR responsibilities during daylight hours and reserving evenings and weekends for tutoring eventually took a toll. By 2022, Carter's tutoring income surpassed what he was earning in PR. Managing around 50 clients each year, he was working extended hours that went as far as 80 per week, starting at dawn and ending late at night.

Recognizing the unsustainable nature of his schedule, and the impact it was having on his personal life, Carter faced a tough decision. Despite enjoying both PR and tutoring, the latter proved to be both more satisfying and financially rewarding. By 2024, Carter made the bold move to embrace tutoring as his sole profession.

Enjoying a Flexible Work Year

In his first year focusing exclusively on his tutoring business, Carter earned approximately $220,000, more than doubling his previous PR salary. He charges $250 per hour for his specialized service. From May to November, his workload is at its peak, aligning with early university application deadlines, where he sometimes works up to 50 hours a week with students from across the nation and even abroad.

Following a busy season, the pace eases by January. With most application deadlines past, Carter enjoys about three months of downtime. Initially, he uses this time to recuperate from the high-intensity period. Subsequently, he engages in leisure pursuits such as traveling with his fiancé and catching up on personal interests that his busy schedule previously curtailed.

Turning Passion into a Profitable Endeavor

Carter feels exceedingly fortunate to have discovered a career where his love for writing can prosper financially and aid aspiring college students in defining and sharing their personal narratives. Although few get to realize such an opportunity, Carter's journey is a testament to aligning passion with profession.