Essay Exchanges 2017/2018

Prep School Admissions
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Does anyone want to have their essays read and critique other essays? So far this year, there haven’t been any essay exchanges, so let’s see how this goes.

I’m applying to Exeter, Andover, Hotchkiss and Choate. I am willing to look at essays from other schools. Also, help from current boarding school students and parents would be greatly appreciated.

Please do not write your essay down below or any other personal information. Write below if you want to be part of the exchange, then simply DM anyone who participates. Thanks! :slight_smile:

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Sure! :slight_smile:

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I’m a parent, but happy to provide feedback.

I coach first gen immigrant kids on their college essays but my own kid wants to do her boarding school essays on her own.

4

Is this really allowed?

5

I find it to be nothing more than cheating.

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I believe the fine print says that essays must be written on the student’s own, without help.
Also, keep in mind a person volunteering to “help” may have a student applying to the same schools in the same cycle.

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I’ll exchange with anyone.

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you wanna switch? if you do pm me.

9

Having someone edit your essay is definitely cheating, though it is okay to have them proofread or even ask questions that might spark insights or remind you of details to include. Some tips:

EDITING YOUR ESSAY (especially if it is too long)

  1. Circle your verbs. Now go back and rewrite any sentences that might be in passive voice.
  2. Highlight your adverbs. I bet nearly all of them can be eliminated.
  3. Phrases like “actually,” “in fact,” “hopefully,” “in conclusion” are probably unnecessary, too. Use them very sparingly.
  4. If you are using certain words or phrases because you think they sound impressive, don’t! Your goal should be to engage, not to impress.
  5. Record yourself reading your essay out loud. Does it sound natural or stilted? Does it sound like something you would say? Would the listener want to get to know you better?

GETTING STARTED IF YOU ARE STUCK

  1. Think about the question for 10 minutes. Grab a pen and paper and do stream of consciousness writing for 40 minutes. By hand. Don’t try to make it sound good. Don’t censor yourself. Just make yourself write non-stop. Don’t even pause to think.
  2. Right before bed, highlight sections or phrases that contain ideas you might want to include.
  3. Next morning, sit down at the computer and start composing.

Good luck!

I hope you find these tips helpful…

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Those are definitely helpful. Of course, I didn’t mean direct editing but giving comments on how to improve. I’m so sorry if it came off as something malicious. @Calimex @sunnyschool @Center

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