<p>@sooviet - trust me, it is true. I know the two women involved - and have for years. I know that the first mother would truly believe there is nothing wrong with what she did, and also know she would tell the 2nd mother (who is not very discreet, but would not make it up). The very reason I mentioned it to the 2nd mother, is because I would have actually been surprised if, for once, they let this kid just work on his own. </p>
<p>I agree that most paid college counselors would not write the essay, but you cannot say it never happens, and you know that. Just like Dream School cannot say that the know when an applicant does not write their own essays. I also think some people who are supposed to edit may over step the bounds. That is probably even more common, and just about as bad. But, in this case, the kid’s essay was not written by him. </p>
<p>Picture the most overcontrolling parents you have ever met, and I am sure in your line of work you have met some. Then add to it. If I gave concrete examples, this mother could be identified. </p>
<p>Still, I bet it is even more common: parents, friends, teachers, paid writers, etc, will write essays or edit them beyond recognition. Some, maybe even many, will be noticed. But there is no way to say how many. As long as anything is a big stake in the college admission process, people will try and game it if they can. There is a reason CB wants to see IDs when someone goes into take the SAT.</p>