Help! Sending a graded paper--deadline looming

Applying to College
1

<p>The school I'm applying to ED (deadline this Thursday!!) requests a photocopy of a brief (2-5 page) analytical paper with teacher comments and/or grade. I don't know what to send!</p>

<p>In all the English classes I've taken at my high school, I've only written one such paper--and it's not my very best work (A-), being the first paper of the year, with two days to write it and all. I don't know what it is about English at my HS--we're just never asked to do that type of work, even though I know it's the sort you're expected to do in college. Our papers are either sort of pointless OR the 12-page paper you do for AP credit (we have no separate AP or honors English courses, they're all integrated).</p>

<p>I have two such 12-page papers that ARE my best work, but I KNOW college admissions counselors have no interest in reading a 12-page paper.</p>

<p>So--should I send an excerpt from one of those papers? Send the whole thing? Send my A- paper? Help!</p>

2

<p>I would suggest you call the admissions office, explain your situation and ask what they would prefer.</p>

3

<p>It is suprising that your HS in over three years never gave you a paper that was less than 12 pages</p>

<p>If you have AP classes, you need to be able to write SHORT but real papers, because that is often how exams in college are</p>

<p>I just am shocked frankly that your HS had such poor instruction when it came to writing</p>

4

<p>And I would almost bet the college won't believe it either....that even though it may be true, it may come across as an excuse</p>

5

<p>Then I would suggest having your college counselor call the admissions office at the college and explain the situation. They should believe him/her.</p>

6

<p>What about classes other than English? If the requirement is for an "analytical paper" another type of paper--say history or economics--might suffice.</p>

7

<p>Send just a 5 page excerpt, with the comments and the grade, from one of the 12-pagers. Include a short note with it (from you) as to why you are doing this. They don't care about reading something end-to-end. They just want a sample. Give it to them. </p>

<p>DO NOT get the college counselor involved. You'll come across as a HUGE wimp.</p>