<p>Guys, we're all anxious about applying to Chicago this year, but it's really a bad idea to post your essay. Particularly with the Chicago essays, the advice some stranger is going to give you is really worthless. The potential benefit is tiny, and it is definitely outweighed by the potential issues (mainly someone stealing your essay or essay idea). I know this is CC, you can check poster history, whatever, sending your essay to some random person is not a good idea. </p>
<p>I am personally a big fan of the whole, 'the essay should be yours' deal. Write your essay in your own words, show it to close friends and family if you want to make sure it's 'you,' and send it! I don't really see how someone who has never met you can greatly improve your essay, at least enough to make it worth risking the loss of something that you've worked so hard on.</p>
<p>I tend to agree with this sentiment. Though I think that it's always great to let as many people as possible read your essays and give you feedback, usually the most valuable feedback will come from people who know you well and know your voice.</p>
<p>We did have an episode last year (just one, thank goodness) where a counselor found herself reading the same essay twice, from two different students. This was extremely embarassing for the students. Let's guard against these kinds of things happening.</p>
<p>E^2, you should be careful. Sooner or later you are going to open yourself up to lawsuits. Lol!</p>
<p>For myself, I'm always wary about allowing anyone to read, touch, see, or think about my writing until I'm sure it's complete. I sometimes spend hours composing a single e-mail (after all, misunderstandings can be created all too easily through e-mail). Maybe I'll become less cautious in the future.</p>