Colleges use SAT essay as applicants' truth test

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<p>Who besides me is screwed? My 2 essays on the SAT are terrible, and the handwriting is totally illegible. I take pride in my writing and would never BS a college essay. My dad rewrote one, and when he asked me to submit it, I told him, "If I ever got accepted on someone else's essay, I would not enroll." He also tried to convince me to "compliment the school," which is something I just cannot do. A few of my essays are based on honesty, and being doubted because of a hurried SAT essay would make me terribly angry.</p>

<p>I don't think it'll make or break you... They can't deny you just because of your SAT essay. If your essays on your app are fine, and you were honest in them, I don't really see a problem.</p>

<p>Relax. As noted in the article, many schools aren't even considering the writing section in admissions this year, and even those that will be looking at the score will only be looking at the SAT essay in selected cases, usually if there is some discrepency between your application essay(s) and your test scores. </p>

<p>I am glad that you stood up to your dad as the one thing college admissions committees can smell from a mile away are essays that were written or heavily edited by parents or essay services, not students themselves. </p>

<p>Remember, college admissions committees know most high school seniors aren't professional writers, so they don't expect perfection, just want to get to understand who you are by reading your essays. Additionally, the essay is actually a very small part of the overall admissions decision. Bottomline: don't drive yourself crazy with worry about something that's already done. Good luck!</p>

<p>Holy Smokes. That makes me feel a lot better. I refused my dad's help not only because it is dishonest, but also because his writing is contrived, and a chore to read.</p>

<p>Love you, daddy!</p>