<p>marite,</p>
<p>In fact my son did benefit greatly from your extremely thorough and exceedingly helpful critique of his essays. He ended up scrapping the first essay because it seemed like you felt like there were so many problems with it that to rework it would essentially "gut" it, if that makes any sense. That said, it did go out as is to at least one or two other schools because it was on the apps. before we received your critique. </p>
<p>I guess when I think about it, he did kind of rework the second essay based on some of your suggestions, though the wording and ideas remained solely his. It was more a matter of adding some elements. </p>
<p>Some of the other essays concerned different specific questions that he HAD to answer, so he had to come up with entirely new topics.</p>
<p>It just seems oxymoronic to me that writing that is <em>supposed</em> to be essentially from the heart and soul of a student has to be so carefully scripted. To me, it is akin to seeking out significant plastic surgery so that you can look like yourself. There is something essentially skewed about this process, just as there is about so much of the college app. process. </p>
<p>After thinking about it, I would definitely differentiate between those who sought general advice on essays from those who literally had others write or rewrite them--two different things, I guess.</p>
<p>At any rate, we did very much appreciate the help you offered my son, and it did not go to waste! :)</p>
<p>fondly, ~berurah</p>