Thread: Writing college essays

First of all, I don't think any kid would admit to having received assistance in writing a college app essay. Second, there are courses available on that very topic - so that would, in effect, be "getting help writing the essay."

And finally, you can't blame colleges for asking (even though no applicant in his right mind would admit it) because these days kids don't know how to write when they graduate from high school. Too many college freshman are testing into remedial reading, writing and math courses their first semester of college.

Makes you wonder what's going on doesn't it? [Of course some of us already have our opinions about what's been going on in public education]

Leslie, the surprising thing is college admission and high school counselors report a high percent of students who describe in detail the help they received in writing their essay. Despite many instances to the contrary, I think most students are innately honest and reply truthfully to the questions on their college applications.
Tedd

Tedd, you're right - I do find it surprising -- but also heartening to know that the majority of students are honest about that. Does it make a difference in the acceptance of applications? Oh I know there are a LOT of things that are taken into account, but I would think that not being able to write a college app essay on your own would be a big flag on the minus side.

Leslie, I know the essay writing issue cuts both ways. Here is an example from the NACAC listserv--which is an open listserv and you may want to join:

"Ted:
Last year I had a student not only list her paid college consultant as key in her essay work, but also listed the individual as her "College counselor" on the secondary school report form. I attached a detailed note to Ed Venit @ Duke at the time explaining who the consultant was, etc. The princess was admitted, much to my chagrin. My letter was serviceable but lukewarm."

NACAC is the professional organization for college counselling.

Tedd

PAID college consultant? Omigosh!!!!! That thought never occured to me when my boys applied to college. In fact, I've never heard of such a thing around here though now that I think about it, I'm sure some of the high-priced private school kids do that.

I just realized you're in Falls Church. We're "neighbors" :-) I'm near Richmond. My hubby is a computer consultant for Worldcom and works in DC out near Dulles 3 days a week -- telecommutes from home twice a week. Small world :-) Nice to meet you! Leslie

Originally Posted by tedd

What is your take on colleges and universities asking applicants: Did you get help writing this essay?

Gosh ... this sounds like one of those logical deduction problems i.e. if alphas always lie but betas always tell you the truth, what would you think if a person claiming to be a beta admitted to telling a lie?

Bottom line - unless a kid plagarized his essay, how would anyone know if he/she was telling the truth? And if an applicant ADMITTED to receiving help, what would the consequence be?

Automatic rejection of this student as an applicant?

David

David, surprisingly colleges report varied reactions to admitted help on essays. There is no pattern to discern even in the same institution's actions.

Tedd

Hi Tedd,

Okay, I'll bite.

Why DO colleges ask applicants if they got help writing the application essay?

David

Who knows, David. Could be anything from morbid curiosity to "everybody else does it." From my experience, the essay has little bearing on the admit/reject decision unless it is a close decision or divided opinion. If you ask students, they may well respond "To make us sweat more."

Tedd