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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]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.
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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. [/quote]

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

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

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. [/quote]

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.[/quote]

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.
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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![/quote]

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. 
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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.[/quote]

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