I didn't help with any of the essays, nor did the wife. I would proofread them for grammar and whatnot; but they owned the content.
People ask me what I liked about our kids doing JROTC and "play army"- ( it was Air Forceπ) but one of the single best things they did for every cadet was each semester, they had to apply and interview for a new billet/ responsibility within the unit. Part of that process was writing the intro essay with their application. That practice definitely helped our sons when it came to college application processes.
So your kid isn't in JROTC, if they are still in their Sophomore or Junior years, have them " apply" to a school and write out their essays. What do they bring to the table, and more importantly, why would a particular institution be interested in them? They could write it for you, or maybe a mentoring teacher/ leader/ respected neighbor.
This doesn't help Troph, as the young man is already at game time. What I describe is for someone with a little more runway in front of them.