<p>Here's an excerpt from Stanford's website regarding writing essays and getting help with essays. Most schools and admin officers provide similar advice:</p>
<p>"Remember: In reading all of your writing, we want to hear your individual voice. Write essays that reflect who you are; use specific concrete details and write in a natural style. Begin work on these essays early, and feel free to ask your parents, teachers, and friends to provide constructive feedback. When you ask for feedback on an essay draft, ask if the essay's tone sounds like your voice. It should. Your parents, teachers, and friends know you better than anyone else. If they do not believe that your essay captures who you are, how you write, or what you believe, surely we will be unable to recognize what is most distinctive about you. While securing feedback is suggested, you should not enlist hired assistance in the writing of your essays."</p>