Graded Writing Sample

Prep School Admissions
1

Hi! I have a few questions for graded writing sample submissions.

  • Is it okay to submit a very strong piece with an 83% final grade?

  • Can I submit a writing sample in the “additional documents” category if the school doesn’t have a section for the writing sample and I want to send one in?

Thanks!

2

I have a really hard time believing that a strong writing piece has an 83% as a grade. Was it late?

Even at groton, where grade deflation is beyond insane, a strong essay is a 92% or above.

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3

If it says 83%, why would you send it ? The first thing they will see is 83%.

Yes writing is subjective and perhaps it’s mis graded but they may never read it or take it seriously, seeing only 83%.

This is a hard no in my opinion.

Also, if the school isn’t asking for one, why would you send it in ?

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4

The general wisdom with additional documents is that they mainly annoy AOs who already have to filter through tons of applications. If they aren’t asking for one, don’t submit it.

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5

My question for you is: how is that your strongest piece, given your teacher clearly does NOT think it is? (assuming you have above an 83 in the class?).
I don’t think an 83 is a total dealbreaker, but I would definitely want to explore the reasons why you think it’s so strong if your teacher doesn’t.
Do you have other essays with a better grade?
Why do you like this one so much more? Maybe it’s the right essay to send, but I think you’d need to answer these questions for yourself first.
I personally feel like if you have a solid A in the class and you are a very good writer (as evidenced in your essays), maybe submitting a quirky, interesting essay that really speaks to who you are as a candidate is a bold move, even with the 83? But it would have to be for a very mindful, deliberate reason, IMO.

As for other schools who do not require an essay: I would NOT send any extra items they didn’t ask for. (especially one with a meh grade).

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6

I second all of the statements above. Generally, graded writing samples are required to have comments from the teacher. You should look through those comments and see why you got that grade and see if there’s any way you could fix it.

7

Who calls it a very strong piece, you? Your teacher did not seem to think so if he/she only gave it an 83%.

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