I see posts that say “my essays are strong” or something similar.
How do you know that? Who tells you that they are strong?
@Leducate2018 What is the purpose of you asking such a question? I’m confused by why such a question is asked. Please clarify what you mean.
Of course this is entirely due to opinion. Typically the strength of an essay is determined based on the opinions of whoever helped you edit the essay (teachers, counselors, etc) and comparing the essay to examples of essays deemed “strong” online. It’s not an exact science at all.
Thanks @Glorfindel1. I cannot say whether my child’s is strong or not. I like it of course because it is honest, true, well thought out.
@Leducate2018 - For the purposes of college applications, a strong essay is one that is well written and honest, uses sophisticated syntax and vocabulary without doing so in order to impress. More importantly, the essay should be engaging and able to convey an interesting and compelling narrative that gives the reader insight into the person that wrote it. It should capture the reader’s attention from the outset and make him/her want to continue to read it.
An essay that is “is honest, true, [and] well thought out” is likely a strong one.
What does your child’s English teacher think about it?
If you or your DC were to want a second opinion about it, you can PM me or any of the other “trusted readers” on this site.
A strong essay to me is something that moves people. I am applying for college in the fall, and I have already written many of my college essays. One in particular I believe is my strong essay, and I am constantly editing the rest to match up to that level. It is my strong essay because it is true to me and my personality, it has made many teachers and peers cry who have peer edited it because it spoke about the adversities I have faced and was a testament to who I am today.
I think that when you read it here, it’s frequently hubris.
I read a lot of essays for feedback here. Lots of them are uninteresting or trying to assert some epiphany. To me a strong essay is something that tells me something about the candidate’s upbringing and family. It puts the grades and stats into a context. It tells me what life lessons the candidate has been taught and how they handle adversity, a little something about their hopes and dreams. Lose the big words. Try to overcome the anxiety. Try to write as if you’re looking back sharing something personal with your grandkids who want to know what you were like as a teenager, something that only you can write about.