Who sees college essays?

In your application essay, admissions officers are looking for particular features: they want to see context on your background, positive traits that you could bring to campus, and examples of you demonstrating those qualities.

Who is the audience for a college essay?

For most academic writing, your immediate audience is your teacher, usually an expert on the subject you are writing about.

Who can check my college essay?

Turn to your school counselor for review. They understand what college admissions panels are looking for, and they can provide valuable insight into your piece's quality. You can also reach out to English teachers and other educators for proofreading.

Who should look over my college essay?

Teachers and guidance counselors can help you check your language, tone, and content. Ask for their help at least one to two months before the submission deadline, as many other students will also want their help. Friends and family are a good resource to check for authenticity.

Are your college essays confidential?

Yes. Anyone who sees your application is bound legally to keep your information confidential.

a final warning to high school students in the college admissions game

Do admissions officers actually read essays?

Yes, admissions officers do actually read essays, but they might have already screened candidates first in a preliminary round. Every admissions office has a different process and it's impossible to sum up the exact step-by-step process for each admission office in one blog post.

Is lying on a college essay illegal?

First, we will deal with the easy bit: if you knowingly employ deception (stating something on the application that you don't believe is true) in order to receive an advantage (admission to college), then that is most definitely fraud.

Should I let my friends read my college essay?

It's definitely a good idea to have someone else read your college essay before submitting it. Getting feedback can help you identify areas for improvement, catch errors, and ensure that your essay accurately represents your thoughts and experiences.

Can someone proofread my college essay?

I recommend having people from different aspects of you life read your college essay so that you can ensure it sounds like you in all forms. A friend and parent who knows the silly, fun side of you to make sure the content is reflective of your personality.

Why do colleges care about essays?

Why do colleges ask for an essay? Colleges want to be able to differentiate students who seem similar on paper. In the college application essay, they're looking for a way to understand each applicant's unique personality and experiences.

Can a college essay get you in?

So the answer to “how important are college essays” (answer: more important the more selective a school is) applies to any supplemental essays you may write. Can a good college essay get you in by itself? No. But selective institutions focus on candidates that combine great academics with great essays.

Do colleges know if you use someone else's essay?

Yes, colleges do check for plagiarism in application essays. Many colleges use software like Turnitin or other plagiarism detection tools to ensure the originality of the essays submitted.

How personal should I get with my college essay?

The best way to tell your story is to write a personal, thoughtful essay about something that has meaning for you. Be honest and genuine, and your unique qualities will shine through. Admissions officers have to read an unbelievable number of college essays, most of which are forgettable.

What do most people write about in college essays?

You can write about a specific experience, hobby, or personality quirk that illustrates your strengths, but also feel free to write about your weaknesses. Honesty about traits, situations, or a childhood background that you are working to improve may resonate with the reader more strongly than a glib victory speech.

What is the first sentence of a college essay?

The very first sentence of your essay should be the “hook” or “grabber.” This sentence “hooks” readers or “grabs” their attention, making them want to read more. This first sentence should provide rich details, engage a reader's curiosity, or otherwise stand out from the rest.

What are characteristics of a strong college essay?

An insightful college admissions essay requires deep self-reflection, authenticity, and a balance between confidence and vulnerability. Your essay shouldn't be a résumé of your experiences but instead should tell a story that demonstrates your most important values and qualities.

How do colleges know if your essay is plagiarized?

Additionally, many colleges now use plagiarism detection software to ensure the authenticity of application essays. Therefore, even if you think you can get away with plagiarism, the risk of getting caught is high, and the consequences can be severe.

What happens if someone plagiarized your college essay?

It can very well result in one's admission being rescinded, or, if one's already enrolled, their expulsion. In fact, degrees can even be revoked. And then there's the embarrassment it would bring to the student and their family, school, and community.

Is it bad to write about anxiety in college essays?

Conventional wisdom would caution students against discussing mental health issues in their applications. College essay consultants have discouraged students choosing it as a topic in the past. However, we also encourage students to be bold, speak their truth, and stand out from the crowd.

Is it OK to brag in college essay?

Don't just brag or describe. Your essay should have a moment of revelation: what did you learn from your experience? How did it make you the person you are today? Colleges don't want to read essays that are set exclusively in the past.

Do college essays matter a lot?

While most essays have little impact on an applicant's getting into a college, there is that minority for whom it makes a difference. What makes a difference is not really in the story or the writing, however; it's the revelation of something about an applicant that doesn't show up anywhere else in the application.

Can colleges tell if you're lying?

If there are glaring inconsistencies with the students' abilities and what they claim that have done, admission officers will be able to tell. I'm sure white lies get through every now and again, but for the most part those who lie on these applications don't lie subtly or well.

How many people lie on college applications?

6 in 10 College Students Lied on Their Applications.

What happens if colleges catch you lying?

While applicants sure can lie — and some may even get away with it for now — they shouldn't. Beyond it being morally wrong, if they get caught, it can cost their admission. Heck, even if they earn admission, it can lead to the revocation of their admission years later.

How much do college essays actually matter?

At the top 250 schools, your essays generally account for 25% of your overall application. This is only slightly behind the 30% for extracurriculars. Essays are actually ahead of the 20% for grades and coursework, 15% for test scores, and 10% for recommendations and interviews.