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<p>These kids won’t be punished for their writing. This is why applications require not only a main essay, but also short answers. This is why applications sometimes request graded writing samples or other supplementary material. This is why the Writing portion of the SAT is sent not only as a number, but also, if I’m correct, with a copy of the essay (presumably, Harvard is consulting professors to see whether basics such as syntax, structure, etc. match up, imagery and ‘fluff’ aside). This is why colleges request recommendation letters. As a last resort, this is why colleges sometimes call guidance counselors.</p>
<p>If a kid is truly such an amazing writer as to be unbelievable, but doesn’t have anything other than one college essay to back himself up, or to convince adcoms to admit him (or to dig further)–not a history of strong English grades, not a particularly eloquent interview, not any other halfway decent writing sample–then there are other (larger) problems with the application.</p>
<p>ETA: Someone sent me this while I was reading this thread. So for those wondering how adolescent ‘voice’ can shine through strong writing, enjoy…</p>
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