Graded Essay

Prep School Admissions
1

<p>My son has only had one English essay that was graded that is suitable to send to schools. Unfortunately, he just got it back and only got an 89. It was a 2nd draft and I was sure it would be a higher score. (I wonder if she decided to be tougher becase she knew it would be sent to boarding schools)</p>

<p>He has an essay from the end of last year that he could use. Does it need a grade or can it be an essay with comments and a check+.</p>

<p>His first app is due on the 10th or we might have been able to get his teacher to grade a pvst essay.</p>

<p>Any advice...</p>

2

<p>i'd do the past essay. I really don't think you should give them an essay that's graded 89 if that's not what he usually gets. you should send them an essay that's reflects the grades he usually gets in writing.</p>

3

<p>I don't know, but I don't think the grade is as important as how well written the essay is. Do you think the essay is good? (the one that he received an 89%.) If it is good, then submit it. I think the boarding school cares more about the writing style of the student, than the grade the English teacher assigned to the essay. And, if it really is a well written paper, the boarding school might think, "Wow, this middle school / English Teacher must be really tough. This paper would be an 95% in my book." and it would work to your son's advantage.</p>

<p>If it were me, I would choose the essay that best demonstrates your son's writing ability. A grade is always subjective.</p>

4

<p>What jenny said.</p>

5

<p>I was checking websites to see who actually needs the graded essay. It looks like SPS and Exeter do not require one. Am I correct???</p>

6

<p>That was true last year. My handy dandy spreadsheet indicates it was "optional" for SPS.</p>

7

<p>I sent my graded essay for Choate on January 1st but the online checklist still shows it haven't been received it, what should I do?</p>

8

<p>It takes a while for the info to be updated, especially when it is so busy.</p>

9

<p>I agree--send the best essay. An 89 is not a bad grade, and for writing, it can be quite subjective. It's the quality of the writing that counts. At my son's middle school, an "A" grade would not necessary be "A" work in another school. It's about everyone feeling good and achieving their own personal goals. (gag--don't get me started!)</p>

10

<p>Also, I don't know if it was wise or if I should recommend it, but I stapled the essay prompt and grading matrix to the essay. Just saying....</p>

11

<p>I too agree
because it's better to have a "low" grade with an impressive essay
than an essay that's poorly graded</p>

12

<p>some of the schools only let you send essays from the current school year.</p>

13

<p>Check each schools requirements. One that D is applying to specifically says an essay from the current school year, another implies this current school year.</p>

<p>I also would not be too hung up on the grade if it is a good paper.</p>