<p>So far none of my kids has allowed me to look at the essays. I asked them to ask a trusted English teacher of their choosing to read them (a standard practice around here) and they complied. I can only assume the teacher corrected any glaring errors. I do know one of my daughter bounced ideas off of a young Ivy alum but that was before she started writing.</p>
<p>We edited the essays. We did not re-write the essays. We checked for spelling, grammer, etc. We also said: I don’t get it. What are you trying to say here? This is kind of wordy. What’s your point? Does the essay answer the question? … We helped him develop the essays.</p>
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<p>We vetoed it. Remind the child of the “purpose” of the essay. It is to sell the child. It is not an opportunity for an open forum. You are to present yourself in the “best possible light” with the least possibility of offending someone.</p>