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The whole purpose of writing tools is to make monotonous, tedious, and routine tasks obsolete.

Why do the same thing over and over again when you can easily automate the whole process, giving you tons of free time, less stress, and notably better results? After all, it’s not like you’re learning anything new by doing the same time-consuming tasks!

Writing tools allow students to spend their time focusing on things that really matter.

Hours Upon Hours of Saved Time

Have you ever thought to yourself that you could’ve done so much more if it weren’t for a certain writing assignment and all the many subtasks required to complete it?

With the help of writing tools, these thoughts will be gone forever. You’ll be able to:

• Spend more time on your hobby or other things you love
• Learn something new and broaden your knowledge base
• Be more involved in your family’s life
• Stay longer with friends
• Find a part-time job

And that’s just to name a few things! The actual possibilities are endless.

Significantly Less Stress

Writing assignments tend to pile up, along with many other tasks. And unfortunately there’s no way to add more hours to the day to complete everything on time.

An approaching deadline brings nothing but stress, resulting in even lower productivity, which can make your mental state even worse. Not to mention the feeling of failure after receiving a bad grade.

With the help of writing tools, this nightmare is easy to avoid. You’ll be able to deal with all your routines more effectively and even meet multiple deadlines at once.

Improved Academic Performance

Needless to say, no matter how much time you’ve devoted to completing your writing assignment, if it contains mistakes — you won’t receive the grade you were hoping for.

With writing tools, mistakes are simply impossible. You’re completely covered: you can check your grammar, see if there’s any plagiarism in your text, create a summary, generate a topic and thesis statement, and so much more.

Long story short—these writing tools are here to make your academic life easier and your studying smarter. It’s worthwhile to try them at least once. After seeing the results, you’ll surely come back for more!

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Gain access to humanity’s collective understanding about the craft of writing.

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Typely is precise. Existing tools for proofreading raise so many false alarms that their advice cannot be trusted. Instead, the writer must carefully consider whether to accept or reject each change.

We aim for a tool so precise that it becomes possible to unquestioningly adopt its recommendations and still come out ahead — with stronger, tighter prose. Better to be quiet and authoritative than loud and unreliable.

Relax, focus, write your next masterpiece...

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Whether you need a distraction-free environment, some chill relaxing sounds or a pomodoro timer to manage your time we got you covered.

Got questions? We have answers.

No. Typely is completely free and we plan on keeping it that way. We are considering some advanced features however that might be available under a premium plan.

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Typely does not do grammar checking because it's hard and almost impossible to get right. The aim for Typely is to be precise and reliable.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, getting college essay help: important do's and don’ts.

College Essays

If you grow up to be a professional writer, everything you write will first go through an editor before being published. This is because the process of writing is really a process of re-writing —of rethinking and reexamining your work, usually with the help of someone else. So what does this mean for your student writing? And in particular, what does it mean for very important, but nonprofessional writing like your college essay? Should you ask your parents to look at your essay? Pay for an essay service?

If you are wondering what kind of help you can, and should, get with your personal statement, you've come to the right place! In this article, I'll talk about what kind of writing help is useful, ethical, and even expected for your college admission essay . I'll also point out who would make a good editor, what the differences between editing and proofreading are, what to expect from a good editor, and how to spot and stay away from a bad one.

Table of Contents

What Kind of Help for Your Essay Can You Get?

What's Good Editing?

What should an editor do for you, what kind of editing should you avoid, proofreading, what's good proofreading, what kind of proofreading should you avoid.

What Do Colleges Think Of You Getting Help With Your Essay?

Who Can/Should Help You?

Advice for editors.

Should You Pay Money For Essay Editing?

The Bottom Line

What's next, what kind of help with your essay can you get.

Rather than talking in general terms about "help," let's first clarify the two different ways that someone else can improve your writing . There is editing, which is the more intensive kind of assistance that you can use throughout the whole process. And then there's proofreading, which is the last step of really polishing your final product.

Let me go into some more detail about editing and proofreading, and then explain how good editors and proofreaders can help you."

Editing is helping the author (in this case, you) go from a rough draft to a finished work . Editing is the process of asking questions about what you're saying, how you're saying it, and how you're organizing your ideas. But not all editing is good editing . In fact, it's very easy for an editor to cross the line from supportive to overbearing and over-involved.

Ability to clarify assignments. A good editor is usually a good writer, and certainly has to be a good reader. For example, in this case, a good editor should make sure you understand the actual essay prompt you're supposed to be answering.

Open-endedness. Good editing is all about asking questions about your ideas and work, but without providing answers. It's about letting you stick to your story and message, and doesn't alter your point of view.

Think of an editor as a great travel guide. It can show you the many different places your trip could take you. It should explain any parts of the trip that could derail your trip or confuse the traveler. But it never dictates your path, never forces you to go somewhere you don't want to go, and never ignores your interests so that the trip no longer seems like it's your own. So what should good editors do?

Help Brainstorm Topics

Sometimes it's easier to bounce thoughts off of someone else. This doesn't mean that your editor gets to come up with ideas, but they can certainly respond to the various topic options you've come up with. This way, you're less likely to write about the most boring of your ideas, or to write about something that isn't actually important to you.

If you're wondering how to come up with options for your editor to consider, check out our guide to brainstorming topics for your college essay .

Help Revise Your Drafts

Here, your editor can't upset the delicate balance of not intervening too much or too little. It's tricky, but a great way to think about it is to remember: editing is about asking questions, not giving answers .

Revision questions should point out:

• Places where more detail or more description would help the reader connect with your essay
• Places where structure and logic don't flow, losing the reader's attention
• Places where there aren't transitions between paragraphs, confusing the reader
• Moments where your narrative or the arguments you're making are unclear

But pointing to potential problems is not the same as actually rewriting—editors let authors fix the problems themselves.

Bad editing is usually very heavy-handed editing. Instead of helping you find your best voice and ideas, a bad editor changes your writing into their own vision.

You may be dealing with a bad editor if they:

• Add material (examples, descriptions) that doesn't come from you
• Use a thesaurus to make your college essay sound "more mature"
• Add meaning or insight to the essay that doesn't come from you
• Tell you what to say and how to say it
• Write sentences, phrases, and paragraphs for you
• Change your voice in the essay so it no longer sounds like it was written by a teenager

Colleges can tell the difference between a 17-year-old's writing and a 50-year-old's writing. Not only that, they have access to your SAT or ACT Writing section, so they can compare your essay to something else you wrote. Writing that's a little more polished is great and expected. But a totally different voice and style will raise questions.

Where's the Line Between Helpful Editing and Unethical Over-Editing?

Sometimes it's hard to tell whether your college essay editor is doing the right thing. Here are some guidelines for staying on the ethical side of the line.

• An editor should say that the opening paragraph is kind of boring, and explain what exactly is making it drag. But it's overstepping for an editor to tell you exactly how to change it.
• An editor should point out where your prose is unclear or vague. But it's completely inappropriate for the editor to rewrite that section of your essay.
• An editor should let you know that a section is light on detail or description. But giving you similes and metaphors to beef up that description is a no-go.

Proofreading (also called copy-editing) is checking for errors in the last draft of a written work. It happens at the end of the process and is meant as the final polishing touch. Proofreading is meticulous and detail-oriented, focusing on small corrections. It sands off all the surface rough spots that could alienate the reader.

Because proofreading is usually concerned with making fixes on the word or sentence level, this is the only process where someone else can actually add to or take away things from your essay . This is because what they are adding or taking away tends to be one or two misplaced letters.

Laser focus. Proofreading is all about the tiny details, so the ability to really concentrate on finding small slip-ups is a must.

Excellent grammar and spelling skills. Proofreaders need to dot every "i" and cross every "t." Good proofreaders should correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar. They should put foreign words in italics and surround quotations with quotation marks. They should check that you used the correct college's name, and that you adhered to any formatting requirements (name and date at the top of the page, uniform font and size, uniform spacing).

Limited interference. A proofreader needs to make sure that you followed any word limits. But if cuts need to be made to shorten the essay, that's your job and not the proofreader's.

A bad proofreader either tries to turn into an editor, or just lacks the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job.

Some signs that you're working with a bad proofreader are:

• If they suggest making major changes to the final draft of your essay. Proofreading happens when editing is already finished.
• If they aren't particularly good at spelling, or don't know grammar, or aren't detail-oriented enough to find someone else's small mistakes.
• If they start swapping out your words for fancier-sounding synonyms, or changing the voice and sound of your essay in other ways. A proofreader is there to check for errors, not to take the 17-year-old out of your writing.

What Do Colleges Think of Your Getting Help With Your Essay?

Admissions officers agree: light editing and proofreading are good—even required ! But they also want to make sure you're the one doing the work on your essay. They want essays with stories, voice, and themes that come from you. They want to see work that reflects your actual writing ability, and that focuses on what you find important.

On the Importance of Editing

Get feedback. Have a fresh pair of eyes give you some feedback. Don't allow someone else to rewrite your essay, but do take advantage of others' edits and opinions when they seem helpful. ( Bates College )

Read your essay aloud to someone. Reading the essay out loud offers a chance to hear how your essay sounds outside your head. This exercise reveals flaws in the essay's flow, highlights grammatical errors and helps you ensure that you are communicating the exact message you intended. ( Dickinson College )

On the Value of Proofreading

Share your essays with at least one or two people who know you well—such as a parent, teacher, counselor, or friend—and ask for feedback. Remember that you ultimately have control over your essays, and your essays should retain your own voice, but others may be able to catch mistakes that you missed and help suggest areas to cut if you are over the word limit. ( Yale University )

Proofread and then ask someone else to proofread for you. Although we want substance, we also want to be able to see that you can write a paper for our professors and avoid careless mistakes that would drive them crazy. ( Oberlin College )

On Watching Out for Too Much Outside Influence

Limit the number of people who review your essay. Too much input usually means your voice is lost in the writing style. ( Carleton College )

Ask for input (but not too much). Your parents, friends, guidance counselors, coaches, and teachers are great people to bounce ideas off of for your essay. They know how unique and spectacular you are, and they can help you decide how to articulate it. Keep in mind, however, that a 45-year-old lawyer writes quite differently from an 18-year-old student, so if your dad ends up writing the bulk of your essay, we're probably going to notice. ( Vanderbilt University )

Now let's talk about some potential people to approach for your college essay editing and proofreading needs. It's best to start close to home and slowly expand outward. Not only are your family and friends more invested in your success than strangers, but they also have a better handle on your interests and personality. This knowledge is key for judging whether your essay is expressing your true self.

Parents or Close Relatives

Your family may be full of potentially excellent editors! Parents are deeply committed to your well-being, and family members know you and your life well enough to offer details or incidents that can be included in your essay. On the other hand, the rewriting process necessarily involves criticism, which is sometimes hard to hear from someone very close to you.

A parent or close family member is a great choice for an editor if you can answer "yes" to the following questions. Is your parent or close relative a good writer or reader? Do you have a relationship where editing your essay won't create conflict? Are you able to constructively listen to criticism and suggestion from the parent?

One suggestion for defusing face-to-face discussions is to try working on the essay over email. Send your parent a draft, have them write you back some comments, and then you can pick which of their suggestions you want to use and which to discard.

Teachers or Tutors

A humanities teacher that you have a good relationship with is a great choice. I am purposefully saying humanities, and not just English, because teachers of Philosophy, History, Anthropology, and any other classes where you do a lot of writing, are all used to reviewing student work.

Moreover, any teacher or tutor that has been working with you for some time, knows you very well and can vet the essay to make sure it "sounds like you."

If your teacher or tutor has some experience with what college essays are supposed to be like, ask them to be your editor. If not, then ask whether they have time to proofread your final draft.

Guidance or College Counselor at Your School

The best thing about asking your counselor to edit your work is that this is their job. This means that they have a very good sense of what colleges are looking for in an application essay.

At the same time, school counselors tend to have relationships with admissions officers in many colleges, which again gives them insight into what works and which college is focused on what aspect of the application.

Unfortunately, in many schools the guidance counselor tends to be way overextended. If your ratio is 300 students to 1 college counselor, you're unlikely to get that person's undivided attention and focus. It is still useful to ask them for general advice about your potential topics, but don't expect them to be able to stay with your essay from first draft to final version.

Friends, Siblings, or Classmates

Although they most likely don't have much experience with what colleges are hoping to see, your peers are excellent sources for checking that your essay is you .

Friends and siblings are perfect for the read-aloud edit. Read your essay to them so they can listen for words and phrases that are stilted, pompous, or phrases that just don't sound like you.

You can even trade essays and give helpful advice on each other's work.

If your editor hasn't worked with college admissions essays very much, no worries! Any astute and attentive reader can still greatly help with your process. But, as in all things, beginners do better with some preparation.

First, your editor should read our advice about how to write a college essay introduction , how to spot and fix a bad college essay , and get a sense of what other students have written by going through some admissions essays that worked .

Then, as they read your essay, they can work through the following series of questions that will help them to guide you.

Introduction Questions

• Is the first sentence a killer opening line? Why or why not?
• Does the introduction hook the reader? Does it have a colorful, detailed, and interesting narrative? Or does it propose a compelling or surprising idea?
• Can you feel the author's voice in the introduction, or is the tone dry, dull, or overly formal? Show the places where the voice comes through.

Essay Body Questions

• Does the essay have a through-line? Is it built around a central argument, thought, idea, or focus? Can you put this idea into your own words?
• How is the essay organized? By logical progression? Chronologically? Do you feel order when you read it, or are there moments where you are confused or lose the thread of the essay?
• Does the essay have both narratives about the author's life and explanations and insight into what these stories reveal about the author's character, personality, goals, or dreams? If not, which is missing?
• Does the essay flow? Are there smooth transitions/clever links between paragraphs? Between the narrative and moments of insight?

Reader Response Questions

• Does the writer's personality come through? Do we know what the speaker cares about? Do we get a sense of "who he or she is"?
• Where did you feel most connected to the essay? Which parts of the essay gave you a "you are there" sensation by invoking your senses? What moments could you picture in your head well?
• Where are the details and examples vague and not specific enough?
• Did you get an "a-ha!" feeling anywhere in the essay? Is there a moment of insight that connected all the dots for you? Is there a good reveal or "twist" anywhere in the essay?
• What are the strengths of this essay? What needs the most improvement?

Should You Pay Money for Essay Editing?

One alternative to asking someone you know to help you with your college essay is the paid editor route. There are two different ways to pay for essay help: a private essay coach or a less personal editing service , like the many proliferating on the internet.

My advice is to think of these options as a last resort rather than your go-to first choice. I'll first go through the reasons why. Then, if you do decide to go with a paid editor, I'll help you decide between a coach and a service.

When to Consider a Paid Editor

In general, I think hiring someone to work on your essay makes a lot of sense if none of the people I discussed above are a possibility for you.

If you can't ask your parents. For example, if your parents aren't good writers, or if English isn't their first language. Or if you think getting your parents to help is going create unnecessary extra conflict in your relationship with them (applying to college is stressful as it is!)

If you can't ask your teacher or tutor. Maybe you don't have a trusted teacher or tutor that has time to look over your essay with focus. Or, for instance, your favorite humanities teacher has very limited experience with college essays and so won't know what admissions officers want to see.

If you can't ask your guidance counselor. This could be because your guidance counselor is way overwhelmed with other students.

If you can't share your essay with those who know you. It might be that your essay is on a very personal topic that you're unwilling to share with parents, teachers, or peers. Just make sure it doesn't fall into one of the bad-idea topics in our article on bad college essays .

If the cost isn't a consideration. Many of these services are quite expensive, and private coaches even more so. If you have finite resources, I'd say that hiring an SAT or ACT tutor (whether it's PrepScholar or someone else) is better way to spend your money . This is because there's no guarantee that a slightly better essay will sufficiently elevate the rest of your application, but a significantly higher SAT score will definitely raise your applicant profile much more.

Should You Hire an Essay Coach?

On the plus side, essay coaches have read dozens or even hundreds of college essays, so they have experience with the format. Also, because you'll be working closely with a specific person, it's more personal than sending your essay to a service, which will know even less about you.

But, on the minus side, you'll still be bouncing ideas off of someone who doesn't know that much about you . In general, if you can adequately get the help from someone you know, there is no advantage to paying someone to help you.

If you do decide to hire a coach, ask your school counselor, or older students that have used the service for recommendations. If you can't afford the coach's fees, ask whether they can work on a sliding scale —many do. And finally, beware those who guarantee admission to your school of choice—essay coaches don't have any special magic that can back up those promises.

Should You Send Your Essay to a Service?

On the plus side, essay editing services provide a similar product to essay coaches, and they cost significantly less . If you have some assurance that you'll be working with a good editor, the lack of face-to-face interaction won't prevent great results.

On the minus side, however, it can be difficult to gauge the quality of the service before working with them . If they are churning through many application essays without getting to know the students they are helping, you could end up with an over-edited essay that sounds just like everyone else's. In the worst case scenario, an unscrupulous service could send you back a plagiarized essay.

Getting recommendations from friends or a school counselor for reputable services is key to avoiding heavy-handed editing that writes essays for you or does too much to change your essay. Including a badly-edited essay like this in your application could cause problems if there are inconsistencies. For example, in interviews it might be clear you didn't write the essay, or the skill of the essay might not be reflected in your schoolwork and test scores.

Should You Buy an Essay Written by Someone Else?

Let me elaborate. There are super sketchy places on the internet where you can simply buy a pre-written essay. Don't do this!

For one thing, you'll be lying on an official, signed document. All college applications make you sign a statement saying something like this:

I certify that all information submitted in the admission process—including the application, the personal essay, any supplements, and any other supporting materials—is my own work, factually true, and honestly presented... I understand that I may be subject to a range of possible disciplinary actions, including admission revocation, expulsion, or revocation of course credit, grades, and degree, should the information I have certified be false. (From the Common Application )

For another thing, if your academic record doesn't match the essay's quality, the admissions officer will start thinking your whole application is riddled with lies.

Admission officers have full access to your writing portion of the SAT or ACT so that they can compare work that was done in proctored conditions with that done at home. They can tell if these were written by different people. Not only that, but there are now a number of search engines that faculty and admission officers can use to see if an essay contains strings of words that have appeared in other essays—you have no guarantee that the essay you bought wasn't also bought by 50 other students.

• You should get college essay help with both editing and proofreading
• A good editor will ask questions about your idea, logic, and structure, and will point out places where clarity is needed
• A good editor will absolutely not answer these questions, give you their own ideas, or write the essay or parts of the essay for you
• A good proofreader will find typos and check your formatting
• All of them agree that getting light editing and proofreading is necessary
• Parents, teachers, guidance or college counselor, and peers or siblings
• If you can't ask any of those, you can pay for college essay help, but watch out for services or coaches who over-edit you work
• Don't buy a pre-written essay! Colleges can tell, and it'll make your whole application sound false.

Ready to start working on your essay? Check out our explanation of the point of the personal essay and the role it plays on your applications and then explore our step-by-step guide to writing a great college essay .

Using the Common Application for your college applications? We have an excellent guide to the Common App essay prompts and useful advice on how to pick the Common App prompt that's right for you . Wondering how other people tackled these prompts? Then work through our roundup of over 130 real college essay examples published by colleges .

Stressed about whether to take the SAT again before submitting your application? Let us help you decide how many times to take this test . If you choose to go for it, we have the ultimate guide to studying for the SAT to give you the ins and outs of the best ways to study.

Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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One Click to Clarity: Begin Your Free ADHD Test Now

Online adhd test.

ADHD affects more people than almost any other mental health condition, but millions of adults with ADHD go years without recognizing the condition in their own lives. Take the first step with ADHDAdvisor.org’s free ADHD test and find the support you deserve. 

How our Online ADHD Service works

Pick the ideal time for your appointment..

Find the perfect day and time to meet one of our in-house mental health clinicians. This requires a $20 deposit to reserve your appointment.

Reach a conclusive evaluation.

A mental health clinician will provide a detailed evaluation based on your symptoms and past behavior.

Begin a personalized ADHD Treatment plan.

ADHD Advisor offers a holistic approach to treatment with therapy, medicinemanagement and success coachingavailable.

Who Should Take This ADHD Test? 

This free online ADHD test is specifically designed for people who suspect they may have ADHD. If you’ve noticed patterns of inattention , hyperactivity , or impulsivity within the last two weeks, you can take our ADHD test to assess your symptoms and determine if you should undergo a formal evaluation.

The test consists of 36 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately five to eight minutes to complete, but there is no time limit. Please read each question carefully and choose the answer that best describes your c

How Accurate Is the ADHD Test? 

Our ADHD test draws from evidence-based psychological assessments that closely align with DSM criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). 

However, the test isn’t meant to formally confirm or deny the presence of ADHD. Rather, it’s an informative tool that can suggest the presence of common symptoms, indicating whether or not you should consult a healthcare provider for a complete evaluation. 

What Happens After the ADHD Test? 

After you complete the ADHD test through ADHDAdvisor.org, our system will automatically review your answers and compile your results. If there’s a chance you may have ADHD, we’ll then recommend you meet for a consultation and provide several flexible booking times (including on the weekends or the same day in most states) for you to choose from. 

Why Should You Trust Our ADHD Test?

Every decade, new advancements in healthcare yield life-changing benefits for people across the world, especially for those living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Instead of simply painting all patients with a broad brush, therapists today can treat each person (and their unique circumstances) as the individual they are.

At ADHDAdvisor.org , we embrace this philosophy wholeheartedly. After taking our ADHD test, you gain access to world-class mental health professionals, modern resources and technology, and an on-demand support staff dedicated to helping you every step of the way.

Our Client Outcomes

Improved Productivity

Our ADHD success coaching and behavioral therapy programs can help you take action and find success in your professional and personal life. Whether you struggle to maintain focus or begin new projects, we can help.

Stronger Self-esteem

Low self-esteem can be one of the many unfortunate side effects of untreated ADHD, but our experienced clinicians can renew your confidence and get your self-esteem back on track.

Healthier Interpersonal Relationships

Sometimes, the symptoms of ADHD can take a toll on your personal relationships. With the right guidance, we can help you navigate those relationships in healthier, more positive ways.

ADHDAdvisor.org Test Features

Immediate testing.

Chances are, you've waited long enough to start finding clarity about your mental health. After taking our complimentary ADHD test, we’ll immediately analyze your symptoms and help you decide if you should meet with a licensed clinician for a formal evaluation. 

Appointments in 24 Hours

Instead of waiting weeks or months to secure an in-person appointment with a mental health professional, you can book your first consultation at ADHDAdvisor.org within 24 hours of taking the test—all from the comfort of your home. 

Unmatched Value

Our ADHD quiz is free, regardless of whether you decide to schedule a formal evaluation. After meeting with your clinician, you can count on comprehensive support and affordable care for every aspect of y

Enhanced Productivity

Our team of mental health professionals is committed to helping clients reach their full potential, both in their career and personal life. If maintaining focus or taking charge of new initiatives feels challenging, tell us about your symptoms in the ADHD test, and we’ll connect you with a licensed professional. 

Newfound Confidence

Living with untreated ADHD can lead to diminished self-confidence. Our coaches and therapists can help rebuild your self-esteem, empowering you to execute both long and short-term goals. 

Improved Relationship Dynamics

ADHD symptoms can strain personal connections, but we’ll equip you with the tools and strategies to rebuild them. With our support, you’ll learn how to maintain connections in more constructive and healthy ways.

Hear from our customers

What Is an Online ADHD Test?

Traditionally, testing for ADHD involved traveling to a healthcare facility or medical doctor, where you would undergo a physical exam, behavioral testing, and fill out one or more questionnaires related to ADHD. 

With children, this process typically extended to observation at school or in the home to evaluate potential ADHD-related behaviors, such as difficulty concentrating, making careless mistakes, or difficulty waiting for one's turn.

Today, improvements in our understanding of ADHD mean that tests can often be successfully administered online via a digital platform, especially for adults with ADHD. During an online ADHD test, you'll work with your assigned mental health professional to identify symptoms, establish what presentation of ADHD you may have, rule out other conditions that resemble ADHD, and plan next steps.

On average, our customers receive a positive or negative ADHD confirmation by the end of their first session. From there, we work with you to design a care plan that best fits your needs.

Why Should You Use ADHDAdvisor.org? 

• We get to know you . In our experience, the best outcomes happen when we take the time to learn more about each individual patient. To make that happen, we offer a complimentary ADHD test for anyone curious about our services and whether they might have ADHD.
• We find you the best partner. Once you've completed this short assessment, we'll use your answers to identify the best mental health professional for your circumstances. From there, our scheduling team gets to work finding time for you to meet with a clinician licensed in your state. While this may take a bit more time for patients in some areas, we begin the scheduling process immediately to help ensure the shortest wait time possible.
• We evaluate your symptoms. During this first session, you'll go over your full assessment results with your clinician, answer more questions about your behaviors or potential symptoms, and participate in a more comprehensive process.
• We customize your care . After you've received an evaluation, you can choose to continue working with your assigned clinician to start your personalized care plan. Depending on your goals and needs, this may include prescription medication, behavioral therapy, or executive function coaching.

How Can an ADHD Test Help?

The clarity you receive from an accurate ADHD test can have profound effects on your daily life. While these effects vary depending on your circumstances, there are a few benefits that you can expect to enjoy following your test: 

Affirmation

As mentioned above, frustration and self-doubt are an unfortunate daily reality for many people living with unconfirmed ADHD. By finding an ADHD test you can trust, however, you give yourselves the answers and affirmations to view your symptoms as something that can be managed rather than an unavoidable part of life.

Guidance and Support

While most people associate ADHD management solely with prescription medication, modern mental health professionals have made enormous advances in how they address the disorder. Following your ADHD test, you'll be given the opportunity to speak with your clinician to discuss care options and find one that works best for your needs.

Highlighting Our Mental Health Professionals

Taylor Parrino

Taylor Parrino is a compassionate and experienced ADHD coach with a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Psychology. She also holds certification as a Professional Coach with the internationally accredited CPD Standards Agency. Taylor has extensive training in evidence-based techniques specifically tailored for ADHD, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and executive function coaching.

Andrea Tarantella

Taylor Parrino is a compassionate and experienced ADHD coach with a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Psychology. She also holds certification as a Professional Coach with the internationally accredited CPD Standards Agency.

Liz Hughes is a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology graduate from the University of Houston.

Before commencing her graduate studies at the University of Houston, Liz received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas State University.

Liz is now the owner of Mind Body Therapy PLLC focusing on women’s mental health. Her previous work experience includes working with adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, providing grief and CBT based counseling at nonprofit organizations as well as research experience working with adolescents at several Harris County Juvenile Detention centers.

Her current interests include trauma and resilience, multicultural impacts on mental health, and protective factors related to anxiety and depression. Liz now lives and works as an LPCC in San Diego, CA and is eligible to supervise licensed associate clinical counselors in California.

Emily Mashburn

I am EMDR trained, and also trained up to Gottman level 2,I have worked with patients struggling with trauma and PTSD for years assisting people in healing from PTSD, CPTSD, and also relationship trauma and issues.

My areas of expertise include Relationship trauma, Relationship issues, Childhood trauma, life transitions, women's issues, divorce, General Trauma as well. 

Allison Paugh

Hi, my name is Allison Paugh, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

I began my career in mental health in 2007 and have had the opportunity to fill various roles.

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I assess, diagnose, and treat both acute and chronic mental illness of patients across the lifespan. Through comprehensive assessments, medication management, and treatment interventions, I work closely with my patients to establish a therapeutic relationship. By learning a person’s story and individual challenges, I am able to collaborate with other treatment team members to promote well-being with personalized prevention and education.

Rebekah Jones

I have a decade of experience in mental health settings, I specialize in trauma, ADHD, family counseling, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. I worked for six-and-a-half years in a dual evaluation in-patient setting, and an additional four years (and counting) in private practice, tailoring interventions to individual needs.

I currently work as an adjunct professor in a clinical mental health graduate program, where my goal is to share real-world insights with the next generation of professionals. Furthermore, I have experience conducting comprehensive assessments, and ensuring tailored treatment plans.

My journey reflects a commitment to holistic mental well-being, combining clinical proficiency with compassion.

Gina Nepa is a multi-state licensed social worker based in Seattle.

She is a certified trauma professional who holds a graduate certificate in substance use disorder counseling. She has undergone extensive training in administering the CPT trauma protocol, and holds special care for working with neurodivergent clients who did not receive their evaluation until adulthood. She has worked in hospitals, schools, community mental health, employee assistance programs, in-home services, and multiple startup settings. She's co-led an Employee Resource Group for employees who identified as living with disabilities, built a mindfulness curriculum for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, published psychoeducational materials surrounding ADHD and Bipolar Disorder, and facilitated conference speaking surrounding trauma-focused interventions with school-age children.

She is deeply passionate about supporting clients who are traditionally underserved within mental healthcare.

Tatiana Rivera Cruz

Mental health can be difficult, so I’m here to listen and support you. I specialize in treating patients with anxiety, depression, grief, couples counseling, family issues, trauma, and PTSD. My approach focuses on humanistic, existential, and cognitive approaches, valuing every aspect of life. Let’s work together toward your goals and start your journey of healing and self-love.

Tatiana Rivera Cruz Mental Health Match

Jenna Nielsen

I’m here to support you in navigating life’s challenges. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, sports performance, challenging medical issues, and relationship struggles. My compassion, non-judgment, and trust can provide a safe environment for you to express yourself. I want to empower you to take risks and help you achieve your goals.

Jenna Nielsen Psychology Today

Juanita J Smith

I'm a compassionate therapist focused on empowering individuals dealing with anxiety, ADHD, and life transitions. Beyond my clinical work, I'm a travel enthusiast, a proud parent of three beloved pets, and an advocate for community engagement, and I love swimming, reading, and engaging in outdoor adventures. Let's connect and embark on a journey toward growth and well-being.

Juanita J Smith Psychology Today

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), and I have a decade of experience in the mental health field. My commitment lies in offering ADHD treatment and support that is both caring and productive. I assist clients in exploring and cultivating strategies for adopting healthy behaviors, boosting self-esteem, and maximizing their life experiences. I aim to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals, considering their overall well-being.

When I'm not at work, I enjoy maintaining strong connections with loved ones and immersing myself in nature through kayaking, hiking, and embracing a wellness-oriented lifestyle.

Andrea Tarantella Psychology Today

Jeff Sounalath

I'm an Austin-based counselor with expertise in integrated behavioral healthcare, addictions, and multicultural counseling. Beyond my counseling roles (LPC, LCDC), I love traveling, visiting family in Iowa, and enjoying the Austin scene—paddle boarding, dining, and embracing the nightlife with friends. Let's connect for a holistic journey of growth and positive change.

How Our ADHD Services Stand Apart

Five-star service.

We're proud to say that more than 98% of the 100,000+ patients who completed our ADHD test and chose care with ADHDAdvisor.org have come away satisfied with their experiences.

On-Demand Customer Support

When working on your mental health, you shouldn't have to worry about technical concerns or doubts. Our customer support team will be with you every step of the way so that you can focus on what matters most.

World-Class Care

Mental health is one of the most important components of a happy, productive life, which is why our network of therapists accepts only the most experienced, compassionate professionals in the industry.

Fast Answers

Our streamlined, comprehensive intake assessment helps you identify symptoms, start planning goals, and get a better feel for the things you hope to gain from working with a mental health professional.

Security and Privacy

Comfort is key when it comes to finding success with your mental health testing and care, which is why our private, HIPAA-compliant sessions can be done from the comfort of your own home.

Satisfaction Guarantee

We're so confident in the quality of our services that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our ADHD sessions.

What Are the Different Types of ADHD Tests?

Depending on your situation and the mental health professional with whom you are paired, you may undergo one of several different ADHD or psychological tests. Typically, the most common ADHD tests include the following:

Adult ADHD Clinical Diagnostic Scale (ACDS)

The ACDS administers a comprehensive set of yes/no questions to identify and measure an individual's behaviors and potential ADHD symptoms. In order to provide more accurate results, the ACDS requires patients to answer questions about both their childhood and adult life.

Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A)

Standing in stark contrast to the standard questionnaire format of ADHD tests is the T.O.V.A., which uses interactive, computerized elements to gauge attention span, reaction times, and other factors.

Conners Rating Scale

The Conners Rating Scale has been revised and modified countless times since it was first created in 1970, but it is still viewed today as one of the best self-administered ADHD questionnaires available. While it follows the format of many other ADHD tests, the CRS also allows individuals the option to include spouses, friends, or family members to help answer questions.

Barratt Impulsiveness Scale

The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale involves a set of thirty questions divided into six categories to assess various behaviors that may be related to ADHD. Like many ADHD tests, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale can be self-administered by adults and then interpreted later by a trained mental health professional.

Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS)

Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), The ASRS is a streamlined questionnaire consisting of eighteen questions about daily behavior and habits. Typically, this test will be administered by a mental health professional, after which they will discuss the results more in-depth with the patient.

How to Choose an Online ADHD Test

When it comes to choosing an online ADHD test, there are certain non-negotiable qualities and features to look for.

Credibility

As a bare minimum, any ADHD testing site should adhere to HIPAA regulations concerning its services and the therapists with whom it works. Additionally, look for an ADHD test that uses only the most accurate, modern research to construct its testing process.

Studies show that therapy works better when a patient trusts their therapist, and nothing builds trust like a mental health professional who is genuinely passionate about helping their patients. Beyond certifications and licensing, look for an ADHD testing service that associates with only the most passionate, dedicated therapists available.

Often, an ADHD test is only the first step in a lifelong journey of self-exploration and improvement. Because of the importance of this experience, it's best to find an ADHD testing service with comprehensive customer support on hand to help with any questions or concerns that may arise.

How to Get the Most from Your ADHD Test

An ADHD test may feel like a high-stakes undertaking, but there are some simple, easy ways to make the most of your experience.

Stay Honest

Sometimes, people internalize shame or frustration about behaviors related to ADHD. When this happens, it can be all too easy to qualify or condition your responses instead of answering with complete honesty. Remember that ADHD is nothing to be ashamed of and that answering honestly is the best way to ensure results.

Identify Potential Symptoms

Like most people who seek out an ADHD test, you probably have behaviors or habits in your life that you've recognized as potential symptoms of ADHD. Before you begin your test, consider writing out a list of these behaviors to discuss with your assigned therapist.

Find a Partner

When you find a mental health professional that matches your needs and personality, you gain an invaluable partner to help in your pursuit of better mental health. Once you've finished your ADHD test, consider scheduling another session with your dedicated ADHDAdvisor.org therapist to continue treatment.

Continue Researching

Once you've received your ADHD diagnosis and begun to learn more about how your behaviors are related to the condition, your assigned therapist can provide resources and tools to continue deepening your understanding.

Plan Treatment

Treatment for ADHD can be as unique and personalized as the condition itself, which is why our therapists are trained to work with their patients to develop customized, specific treatment plans. Whether it's prescription medications, behavioral therapy, or executive function coaching, we can develop a path forward tailored to your needs.

Find Community

All too often, adults with undiagnosed ADHD feel alone or unheard due to their symptoms. In these instances, finding a community of people walking a similar path can yield profound benefits for a person's self-confidence and progress.

Be Kind to Yourself

Chances are, you've experienced years of confusion and frustration surrounding your ADHD-related behaviors. As you navigate the process of obtaining a diagnosis and beginning treatment, remember to stay patient with and kind to yourself.

Dismiss Judgment 

Even though societal views on ADHD and mental health are becoming more empathetic, some people can't shake off the self-imposed stigma. While undergoing diagnosis and treatment, aim to let go of these negative feelings and commend yourself for taking proactive steps.

A competent mental health expert will make your ADHD journey inviting and reassuring. However, you can enhance the effectiveness of your session by arriving prepared. This includes having a general idea of your concerns and any notes about familial or individual mental health history.

What to Do Following Your ADHD Test

While taking an ADHD test can be a life-changing moment for those living with ADHD, it's only the first step in a long journey of self-exploration and improvement.

Remember, a test must be paired with an official evaluation to formally diagnose ADHD. At ADHDAdvisor.org, we’ll match you with a mental health professional to review your unique situation and get you the answers you need.

From there, you can work with our customer care team to schedule sessions that fit your lifestyle and needs. Then, you can begin building a plan personalized to your situation and start making real progress toward a better future. 

No matter how you

Written by Elena Cox , Data Work By Paxtyn Merten, Data Work By Elena Cox

States with the biggest mental health care deserts

Mental health stigma is largely on the decline in the United States, allowing more people than ever before to pursue care. Yet other barriers—including a shortage of mental health professionals—present ongoing problems for those who would otherwise seek help. More than 1 in 10 Americans lack adequate access to mental health care, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

ADHD Advisor used data from the Health Resources & Services Administration to map and analyze mental health provider shortages across the United States. An area is considered underserved if it has fewer than 1 provider for every 30,000 people or a ratio of 1 to 20,000 for high-need communities.


Lack of access to mental health care can have long-term effects in regions across the U.S., including the lack of a proper diagnosis or an individual turning to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate . For those who do get diagnosed, including those with ADHD , insufficient mental health care access may prevent people from seeking help or managing their medications properly. This is particularly true in rural counties , where existing, limited access to care—including long wait times and far distances to travel for care—was further disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic .

In 5 states, more than 25% of the population is underserved

The mental health provider shortage impacts people in communities throughout the U.S., with Utah, Wyoming, Mississippi, Nebraska, Georgia, Montana, and Indiana facing the most severe shortages.  

It's an ongoing cycle: Provider shortages mean doctors and clinicians are in charge of expansive caseloads, which can lead to burnout and increased retirements. In New Mexico, for example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the state needs at least 61 mental health professionals to ease the burden—but low pay makes it difficult to recruit people from out of state.

Lawmakers have come together at the local and federal levels to remedy this.


The Biden administration has poured billions of dollars into increasing access to care , including grants to increase the pipeline of mental health professionals in high-need areas. States are also taking an active role by offering monetary incentives, including student loan reimbursement. Apprenticeship programs can also help stem some of the shortage in high-need areas. In Alabama, for example, students getting their master's degree in social work at the University of Alabama can get real-world experience while getting paid.


While there's no one-size-fits-all approach to remedying the mental health crisis, its impacts are being felt across the country. In 2020, Americans spent about $280.5 billion on mental health and substance abuse treatments , with about a quarter coming from Medicaid spending alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does adhdadvisor.org treat other mental health conditions.

While we specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), our therapists have experience with all sorts of mental health conditions and needs. If you're seeking treatment for something other than ADHD, schedule an appointment, and we'll help you find what you need.

Does ADHDAdvisor.org prescribe stimulant medications?

While ADHDAdvisor.org's clinicians may suggest prescription medication, we do not offer prescriptions for stimulants. We can prescribe SSRIs, SRNIs, and various non-stimulant medications.

Can I change therapists?

In the rare event that your first therapist isn't a perfect fit, our customer service will happily help you find another clinician who better suits your needs.

How often will I meet with my therapist?

After your initial appointment, the frequency of your sessions is entirely up to you. ADHDAdvisor.org maintains a large network of clinicians from diverse time zones, so availability is rarely an issue, no matter how busy a customer's schedule may be.

Do you accept insurance?

Although we do not currently accept insurance, our customer service team is more than happy to provide clear, itemized receipts for reimbursement through your healthcare provider. Customers may also use their FSA or HSA accounts to pay for treatment.

ADHDAdvisor's Mental Health Advocate Scholarship

Scholarship award: $1000.

The Mental Health Advocate Scholarship is a recurring scholarship open to all students who are committed to helping others through emotional and mental health support. The next deadline to apply is August 1st, and winners will be announced on September 1st.

About ADHDAdvisor's Mental Health Advocate Scholarship

The mental health crisis threatening the world has been detrimental to the safety and well-being of countless people..

Mental illness, the inaccessibility of care, and the stigmatization of struggling all have contributed to rising rates of suicide, which ends thousands of lives too soon and tears holes in their families and communities. Addressing these challenges requires not just mental health professionals but also advocates who help those around them and change the narrative around mental illness.

This scholarship aims to foster an environment of understanding, empathy, and support by supporting the next generation of mental health advocates.

Any high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is committed to helping others through emotional and mental health support.

To apply, tell us how you have helped others with their mental health and how you plan to use your studies and future career to continue assisting those around you.

Eligibility Requirements

Education Level:

High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student

Background:

Committed to helping others through emotional and mental health support

Scholarship Details

Application dealdine:

Winners announcement:

1 Sept 2024

Education level:

Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is 1 Aug 2024. Winners will be announced on 1 Sept 2024.

How will scholarship application information be used?

Your privacy is a top priority on the Bold.org platform, and you can find our privacy policy in full here . You may opt out of communications from Bold.org at any time, and unless we’ve first notified you and gotten your consent, you’ll never receive communication from any third parties related to personal information you give us.

What is the scholarship award?

Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.

When will the scholarship winner be chosen? How will they be notified?

The winner will be publicly announced on 1 Sept 2024. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.

How will my scholarship application be verified?

Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.

How will the scholarship award be paid?

Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution or future academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.

‍ How should I get in touch with questions?

If you have any questions about this scholarship or the Bold.org platform, just email [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.

Does the scholarship have terms and conditions?

Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here .