Frequently asked questions
Will Margin write my essay for me?
No. Margin never writes or rewrites your essay. It brainstorms with you, gives feedback on structure and substance, and helps sharpen your language — but every word stays yours. See How Margin Uses AI → for the full explanation.
Is this cheating?
No. Margin works the same way a writing tutor, teacher, or admissions counselor would: asking questions, pointing out what's working and what isn't, helping you think more clearly. It never generates essay content for you to submit. Colleges expect students to get feedback on their essays; that's exactly what Margin provides, nothing more.
Does it work with the Common App?
Yes. Margin includes all seven Common App personal statement prompts, plus support for any college supplemental essay or scholarship essay — just paste the prompt.
Can I upload supplemental essays?
Yes. Choose "college supplemental essay" or "scholarship essay," paste the specific prompt and word limit, and Margin tailors its feedback accordingly.
Is my essay private?
Your essays and drafts are private to your own account. See our Privacy Policy → for full details on what's stored and how it's protected.
Can parents see my essays?
No. Margin is a private space to think and write honestly — the same way a real writing tutor wouldn't hand a parent a transcript of what was said in a session. Parents can purchase and manage the account, but a student's individual drafts, notes, and conversations with Margin stay their own.
Can counselors use Margin with their students?
Yes. See our page for counselors → for how nomination-based scholarship access works for students who need it most.
Who is Margin for?
Margin is built for anyone working on a college admissions essay, a scholarship essay, or a transfer application essay — whatever stage of that process you're in. If you're staring at a prompt and need real feedback, Margin is for you.
How is AI used in Margin?
Margin's feedback is generated by AI, designed around real teaching principles developed over nearly two decades of working with student writers. See How Margin Uses AI → for the complete picture.
Can colleges detect that I used Margin?
There's nothing to detect — Margin doesn't write your essay, so there's no AI-generated text in your submission to flag. The words, ideas, and decisions are entirely yours; Margin only asks questions and gives feedback, the same as any human mentor would.
What if I already have a full draft?
Choose "I already have a draft" from the home screen to go straight to feedback and editing — you don't have to start from brainstorming if you don't need to.
What's your refund policy?
We offer a full refund within 7 days of purchase of a Season Pass, as long as no more than 5 completed feedback passes have been generated. Not sure yet? Start month-to-month instead — cancel anytime, no refund request needed.
What if I need help outside the admissions season?
Your season pass — or your monthly plan, if that's how you signed up — covers unlimited use of every college essay, every supplemental, and every scholarship essay, for as long as that access lasts. Margin doesn't stop there, though. We're already planning what comes next — it might well end up being the writing companion you turn to all through college, not just for the applications that got you there.
Still have a question? Contact us →