Admissions office take on application essays

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DS is a pretty typical white UMC suburban boy, wrote his essay about his job at a country club... it was a mundane setting but it was all about introspection and gaining an understand of the world around you. And, though i know you all say high school kids can't write, it was extremely well written, both moving and funny.

I have no idea if the admissions counselor liked it, but he got into his ED school so it certainly didn't hinder him.

+1

My DD, typical MC suburban girl, humorously wrote about her peculiar background. I think most of teenagers are natural storytellers. She first wrote it as she was texting a funny situation to her friends group chat. Gradually, the "texts" evolved into a smart and original story.

For the love of god, don't do this without running it by a professional.

Are you stupid? Of course, she ran it by a few people. I don't know anyone who wouldn't.

There's a difference between "a few people" and a serious college admissions consultant. It seems like it worked for your daughter, but in general if you're going the humor route, it's a gamble not to have an actual expert review it.

This is just ridiculous. Again, Most applicants don't have tragic experiences to draw on and the vast majority are not working with "professionals" other than their own parents and teachers. And that is FINE. No one needs to experience a life "evolution" sparked by "true tragedy" to write a decent essay. No one needs a professional essay consultant to get admitted to college.

Just stop with the bullshit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First, high schoolers aren’t good writers (with limited exceptions). Second, it’s significantly harder to craft a compelling narrative without a conflict. It’s not impossible but it’s not easy.

Finally, you have to remember that most college admissions officers significantly overestimate their ability to set aside their personal biases when evaluating essays. An emotional essay that shows determination and character (note that’s not the same a sob story) will carry more weight.

No way, perennial essay readers have to be the most jaded people on earth. Given high schoolers aren't great writers, even if they have overcome conflict, they run the risk of writing an overwrought, treacly essay. If they focus on something mundane, they have a better chance of showing actual introspection, and purpose in their essay.

Admittedly, that is a concern but it's very avoidable. It's also important to be memorable, something the reader can associate the student with (e.g The kid who did X/The kid who overcame Y). If done properly will out perform a mundane essay (which will be completely forgotten after someone reads 50 essays).

This sort of catch phrase memorable can backfire. If all the essay does is convince the reader the student is capable of developing a theme, and is eager to do that at the college level, mission accomplished.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First, high schoolers aren’t good writers (with limited exceptions). Second, it’s significantly harder to craft a compelling narrative without a conflict. It’s not impossible but it’s not easy.

Finally, you have to remember that most college admissions officers significantly overestimate their ability to set aside their personal biases when evaluating essays. An emotional essay that shows determination and character (note that’s not the same a sob story) will carry more weight.

No way, perennial essay readers have to be the most jaded people on earth. Given high schoolers aren't great writers, even if they have overcome conflict, they run the risk of writing an overwrought, treacly essay. If they focus on something mundane, they have a better chance of showing actual introspection, and purpose in their essay.

Admittedly, that is a concern but it's very avoidable. It's also important to be memorable, something the reader can associate the student with (e.g The kid who did X/The kid who overcame Y). If done properly will out perform a mundane essay (which will be completely forgotten after someone reads 50 essays).

This sort of catch phrase memorable can backfire. If all the essay does is convince the reader the student is capable of developing a theme, and is eager to do that at the college level, mission accomplished.

Ok troll, thanks for playing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DS is a pretty typical white UMC suburban boy, wrote his essay about his job at a country club... it was a mundane setting but it was all about introspection and gaining an understand of the world around you. And, though i know you all say high school kids can't write, it was extremely well written, both moving and funny.

I have no idea if the admissions counselor liked it, but he got into his ED school so it certainly didn't hinder him.

+1

My DD, typical MC suburban girl, humorously wrote about her peculiar background. I think most of teenagers are natural storytellers. She first wrote it as she was texting a funny situation to her friends group chat. Gradually, the "texts" evolved into a smart and original story.

For the love of god, don't do this without running it by a professional.

Are you stupid? Of course, she ran it by a few people. I don't know anyone who wouldn't.

There's a difference between "a few people" and a serious college admissions consultant. It seems like it worked for your daughter, but in general if you're going the humor route, it's a gamble not to have an actual expert review it.

This is just ridiculous. Again, Most applicants don't have tragic experiences to draw on and the vast majority are not working with "professionals" other than their own parents and teachers. And that is FINE. No one needs to experience a life "evolution" sparked by "true tragedy" to write a decent essay. No one needs a professional essay consultant to get admitted to college.

Just stop with the bullshit.

I never said that tragedy was required, just that it can be a strong starting place (if applicable). There are always exceptions of course. In regard to consultants, you're correct plenty of students get into amazing schools with little to no help. That being said, colleges are getting more and more competitive, if you have the ability to ask a reputable expert for help it's probably a good idea. This is especially true given how many competitive students live in DC area (maybe if you're in rural Wyoming or Kentucky it's a different story). I'm not saying this is a good thing the system is this way, it's just a reflection of the current situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First, high schoolers aren’t good writers (with limited exceptions). Second, it’s significantly harder to craft a compelling narrative without a conflict. It’s not impossible but it’s not easy.

Finally, you have to remember that most college admissions officers significantly overestimate their ability to set aside their personal biases when evaluating essays. An emotional essay that shows determination and character (note that’s not the same a sob story) will carry more weight.

No way, perennial essay readers have to be the most jaded people on earth. Given high schoolers aren't great writers, even if they have overcome conflict, they run the risk of writing an overwrought, treacly essay. If they focus on something mundane, they have a better chance of showing actual introspection, and purpose in their essay.

Admittedly, that is a concern but it's very avoidable. It's also important to be memorable, something the reader can associate the student with (e.g The kid who did X/The kid who overcame Y). If done properly will out perform a mundane essay (which will be completely forgotten after someone reads 50 essays).

This sort of catch phrase memorable can backfire. If all the essay does is convince the reader the student is capable of developing a theme, and is eager to do that at the college level, mission accomplished.

Ok troll, thanks for playing.

Not PP, but there's some truth to that. It *can* (not always) come off as gimmicky or tacky (and it also depends on the officer reading it). Of course, it *can* come off as brilliant and witty. It's a difficult balancing act.

[Anonymous]

It also matters a lot depending on the school. For most schools you probably don't need the same level of fine-tuning as discussed in this thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DS is a pretty typical white UMC suburban boy, wrote his essay about his job at a country club... it was a mundane setting but it was all about introspection and gaining an understand of the world around you. And, though i know you all say high school kids can't write, it was extremely well written, both moving and funny.

I have no idea if the admissions counselor liked it, but he got into his ED school so it certainly didn't hinder him.

+1

My DD, typical MC suburban girl, humorously wrote about her peculiar background. I think most of teenagers are natural storytellers. She first wrote it as she was texting a funny situation to her friends group chat. Gradually, the "texts" evolved into a smart and original story.

For the love of god, don't do this without running it by a professional.

Are you stupid? Of course, she ran it by a few people. I don't know anyone who wouldn't.

There's a difference between "a few people" and a serious college admissions consultant. It seems like it worked for your daughter, but in general if you're going the humor route, it's a gamble not to have an actual expert review it.

This is just ridiculous. Again, Most applicants don't have tragic experiences to draw on and the vast majority are not working with "professionals" other than their own parents and teachers. And that is FINE. No one needs to experience a life "evolution" sparked by "true tragedy" to write a decent essay. No one needs a professional essay consultant to get admitted to college.

Just stop with the bullshit.

I never said that tragedy was required, just that it can be a strong starting place (if applicable). There are always exceptions of course. In regard to consultants, you're correct plenty of students get into amazing schools with little to no help. That being said, colleges are getting more and more competitive, if you have the ability to ask a reputable expert for help it's probably a good idea. This is especially true given how many competitive students live in DC area (maybe if you're in rural Wyoming or Kentucky it's a different story). I'm not saying this is a good thing the system is this way, it's just a reflection of the current situation.

Not the PP. You haven't said anything, every phrase you write is undermined by equivocation. Actually true (given how many competitive students live in DC, yadda yadda), do not write an essay that sounds like you've hired a consultant! When that Podunk kid gets the admit, it may just be they have a better voice without your hackneyed advice!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DS is a pretty typical white UMC suburban boy, wrote his essay about his job at a country club... it was a mundane setting but it was all about introspection and gaining an understand of the world around you. And, though i know you all say high school kids can't write, it was extremely well written, both moving and funny.

I have no idea if the admissions counselor liked it, but he got into his ED school so it certainly didn't hinder him.

+1

My DD, typical MC suburban girl, humorously wrote about her peculiar background. I think most of teenagers are natural storytellers. She first wrote it as she was texting a funny situation to her friends group chat. Gradually, the "texts" evolved into a smart and original story.

For the love of god, don't do this without running it by a professional.

Are you stupid? Of course, she ran it by a few people. I don't know anyone who wouldn't.

There's a difference between "a few people" and a serious college admissions consultant. It seems like it worked for your daughter, but in general if you're going the humor route, it's a gamble not to have an actual expert review it.

This is just ridiculous. Again, Most applicants don't have tragic experiences to draw on and the vast majority are not working with "professionals" other than their own parents and teachers. And that is FINE. No one needs to experience a life "evolution" sparked by "true tragedy" to write a decent essay. No one needs a professional essay consultant to get admitted to college.

Just stop with the bullshit.

I never said that tragedy was required, just that it can be a strong starting place (if applicable). There are always exceptions of course. In regard to consultants, you're correct plenty of students get into amazing schools with little to no help. That being said, colleges are getting more and more competitive, if you have the ability to ask a reputable expert for help it's probably a good idea. This is especially true given how many competitive students live in DC area (maybe if you're in rural Wyoming or Kentucky it's a different story). I'm not saying this is a good thing the system is this way, it's just a reflection of the current situation.

Not the PP. You haven't said anything, every phrase you write is undermined by equivocation. Actually true (given how many competitive students live in DC, yadda yadda), do not write an essay that sounds like you've hired a consultant! When that Podunk kid gets the admit, it may just be they have a better voice without your hackneyed advice!

I realize nuanced topics can be hard to grasp, so I’ll give you some unequivocal personalized advice: hire someone who knows what they’re doing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DS is a pretty typical white UMC suburban boy, wrote his essay about his job at a country club... it was a mundane setting but it was all about introspection and gaining an understand of the world around you. And, though i know you all say high school kids can't write, it was extremely well written, both moving and funny.

I have no idea if the admissions counselor liked it, but he got into his ED school so it certainly didn't hinder him.

+1

My DD, typical MC suburban girl, humorously wrote about her peculiar background. I think most of teenagers are natural storytellers. She first wrote it as she was texting a funny situation to her friends group chat. Gradually, the "texts" evolved into a smart and original story.

For the love of god, don't do this without running it by a professional.

Are you stupid? Of course, she ran it by a few people. I don't know anyone who wouldn't.

There's a difference between "a few people" and a serious college admissions consultant. It seems like it worked for your daughter, but in general if you're going the humor route, it's a gamble not to have an actual expert review it.

This is just ridiculous. Again, Most applicants don't have tragic experiences to draw on and the vast majority are not working with "professionals" other than their own parents and teachers. And that is FINE. No one needs to experience a life "evolution" sparked by "true tragedy" to write a decent essay. No one needs a professional essay consultant to get admitted to college.

Just stop with the bullshit.

I never said that tragedy was required, just that it can be a strong starting place (if applicable). There are always exceptions of course. In regard to consultants, you're correct plenty of students get into amazing schools with little to no help. That being said, colleges are getting more and more competitive, if you have the ability to ask a reputable expert for help it's probably a good idea. This is especially true given how many competitive students live in DC area (maybe if you're in rural Wyoming or Kentucky it's a different story). I'm not saying this is a good thing the system is this way, it's just a reflection of the current situation.

Not the PP. You haven't said anything, every phrase you write is undermined by equivocation. Actually true (given how many competitive students live in DC, yadda yadda), do not write an essay that sounds like you've hired a consultant! When that Podunk kid gets the admit, it may just be they have a better voice without your hackneyed advice!

I realize nuanced topics can be hard to grasp, so I’ll give you some unequivocal personalized advice: hire someone who knows what they’re doing.

At the very least try to get the most out of your school’s resources, they’ll likely have some sort of free advising you can take advantage of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DS is a pretty typical white UMC suburban boy, wrote his essay about his job at a country club... it was a mundane setting but it was all about introspection and gaining an understand of the world around you. And, though i know you all say high school kids can't write, it was extremely well written, both moving and funny.

I have no idea if the admissions counselor liked it, but he got into his ED school so it certainly didn't hinder him.

+1

My DD, typical MC suburban girl, humorously wrote about her peculiar background. I think most of teenagers are natural storytellers. She first wrote it as she was texting a funny situation to her friends group chat. Gradually, the "texts" evolved into a smart and original story.

For the love of god, don't do this without running it by a professional.

Are you stupid? Of course, she ran it by a few people. I don't know anyone who wouldn't.

There's a difference between "a few people" and a serious college admissions consultant. It seems like it worked for your daughter, but in general if you're going the humor route, it's a gamble not to have an actual expert review it.

This is just ridiculous. Again, Most applicants don't have tragic experiences to draw on and the vast majority are not working with "professionals" other than their own parents and teachers. And that is FINE. No one needs to experience a life "evolution" sparked by "true tragedy" to write a decent essay. No one needs a professional essay consultant to get admitted to college.

Just stop with the bullshit.

I never said that tragedy was required, just that it can be a strong starting place (if applicable). There are always exceptions of course. In regard to consultants, you're correct plenty of students get into amazing schools with little to no help. That being said, colleges are getting more and more competitive, if you have the ability to ask a reputable expert for help it's probably a good idea. This is especially true given how many competitive students live in DC area (maybe if you're in rural Wyoming or Kentucky it's a different story). I'm not saying this is a good thing the system is this way, it's just a reflection of the current situation.

Not the PP. You haven't said anything, every phrase you write is undermined by equivocation. Actually true (given how many competitive students live in DC, yadda yadda), do not write an essay that sounds like you've hired a consultant! When that Podunk kid gets the admit, it may just be they have a better voice without your hackneyed advice!

I realize nuanced topics can be hard to grasp, so I’ll give you some unequivocal personalized advice: hire someone who knows what they’re doing.

At the very least try to get the most out of your school’s resources, they’ll likely have some sort of free advising you can take advantage of.

Sweetie, saying "there are always exceptions of course" is not nuance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Talked to ivycoach.com Bryan. He charges 90000 dollars for 3 college applications. Majority of their kids supposedly get into ivy and most selective college. So much about college admission. This whole essay shi** need to stop. Who knows who writes whose essay. College admission to most selective colleges is a game. Whoever plays well wins. Half are probably really deserving, remaining half belong to resourceful and rich families.

Save your money! My DD wrote her own essays and got into 8 schools.

[Anonymous]

Essays are done and will ultimately go the way of the "test optional." 2021 proved that admissions is a demographic game. You fit the bill, you'll get it. Grades and SATs - nah! Essays - no way!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Essays are done and will ultimately go the way of the "test optional." 2021 proved that admissions is a demographic game. You fit the bill, you'll get it. Grades and SATs - nah! Essays - no way!

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Talked to (SpamLinkDeleted).comBryan. He charges 90000 dollars for 3 college applications. Majority of their kids supposedly get into ivy and most selective college. So much about college admission. This whole essay shi** need to stop. Who knows who writes whose essay. College admission to most selective colleges is a game. Whoever plays well wins. Half are probably really deserving, remaining half belong to resourceful and rich families.

Never heard of this guy but I laughed at the pitch. These counselors talk a good game in their PR. When you actually pay up and meet with them, it’s all “Where you go isn’t who you are” and “Let’s pick a safety you’ll love.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talked to (SpamLinkDeleted).comBryan. He charges 90000 dollars for 3 college applications. Majority of their kids supposedly get into ivy and most selective college. So much about college admission. This whole essay shi** need to stop. Who knows who writes whose essay. College admission to most selective colleges is a game. Whoever plays well wins. Half are probably really deserving, remaining half belong to resourceful and rich families.

Never heard of this guy but I laughed at the pitch. These counselors talk a good game in their PR. When you actually pay up and meet with them, it’s all “Where you go isn’t who you are” and “Let’s pick a safety you’ll love.”

Yep, and yet (SpamLink) Bryan is living rent free with the parent above (who can't write a sentence!).

DC's friend used a college counselor throughout high school. She made herself girl X, started a club for X, shoehorned X into class projects for four years … surely she wrote an essay about X. She was also an accomplished student with top grades and scores, plus a legacy … deferred, she's now halfway through her time at the safety she loves. There's no moral. She's exactly the sort that thrived on meticulous planning. The process suited her even if it didn't have the Hollywood ending, plus she's matured into a more chill sort of college student. Money well spent. But who knows maybe sounding like a tool in the essay, is what sunk her. What's clear: if that magic essay exists, she didn't write it (even with paid coaching, great high school teachers, and educated parents).