Essay competition mentoring with a Cambridge economist
One-to-one mentoring that helps a student write an essay they understand and can defend: a question with an original angle, the economics used correctly, and an argument that holds up under challenge.
- First-class Cambridge Economics graduate
- Six years preparing applicants
What mentoring covers
- The questionChoosing one with room for an original angle
- The economicsKey theories, understood and used correctly
- The argumentTested against the strongest objection
- The evidenceData and sources that carry the point
- The next stepA clear list of what to work on next
What the student gains
Mentoring is aimed at a prize-standard entry, and at the understanding and skills behind it.
An original angle
Most entries answer the question in the obvious way. We help the student find the angle, example or data that makes their essay stand out.
Economics used correctly
We go through the theories the essay relies on, check the student understands them, and make sure they are applied correctly.
An argument that holds up
We test the argument the way a judge would: where it is weak, what the strongest objection is, and whether the conclusion follows.
Deeper understanding
Reading beyond the syllabus with an economist on hand, so the student understands the ideas properly and can discuss them with confidence.
Essay skills that last
Building an argument, using evidence and writing clearly about economics: skills that carry into A levels, applications and university.
A clear plan
Every session ends with what to do next, so the time between sessions goes where it matters most.
Choose how to work together
Book a single mentoring session, add written comments on the draft, or combine both in coaching.
Mentoring session
One hour, one to one, online, at any stage of the essay.
- Choose the question and the angle
- Check the economics and the argument
- A clear plan for what to do next
Draft review
Detailed written comments on a finished draft.
from, by word limit
- The argument, economics and evidence checked
- What separates the draft from prize standard
- Within 5 working days
Coaching
Two mentoring sessions and a draft review, from first idea to final draft.
from, by word limit
- A session to choose the question and angle
- A session to test the economics and argument
- Written comments on the finished draft
Prices in pounds sterling. After you book, we email you to agree times. If the student is under 18, a parent or guardian should make the booking.
How mentoring works
Three steps, all online. Times fit around school.
Book, or talk to us first
Book online in a couple of minutes, or email us first to talk it through.
Agree a time
We email you to agree a time and ask for the competition, the question and any notes or plan so far.
Meet online
One hour, one to one, by video call, ending with clear next steps.
Prefer to talk it through before you book?
Tell us the competition, the question the student is considering and the deadline, and we will suggest how mentoring could help and when to meet.
The essay stays the student’s own
Every competition judges the essay as the entrant’s own work, and mentoring is built around that. We explain, question and challenge; the student makes every decision and writes every word. Where a competition asks entrants to declare help, we give the student a suggested sentence to use.
Working on it alone?
The Essay Pack is our self-study pack for economics essay competitions.
See the Essay PackWho we are
Econ Coaching was founded by a first-class Cambridge Economics graduate who has prepared applicants for six years.
About usQuestions
Which competitions do you cover?
The John Locke Global Essay Prize, the Marshall Society, RES Young Economist of the Year, Fitzwilliam College and CSEP.
When is the best time to book?
Before the student settles on a question is ideal: that is where an original angle comes from. A second session once there is a plan tests the economics and the argument. Coaching includes both.
What does the student need to bring?
The competition and the question, plus any reading, notes or plan so far. Nothing needs to be finished.
Do you read the draft in a session?
Sessions focus on the question, the economics and the argument. For written comments on a finished draft, book a draft review.
Will you write any of the essay?
No. We explain, question and challenge, and the student writes every word.
What if we need to change the time?
Please give 24 hours’ notice to reschedule. A session missed without notice counts as used. Sessions are valid for 12 months.