Help With Essays

Applying to College
1

<p>It seems that once in a while, some rising senior will ask for advice on their college essays on these CC boards.</p>

<p>More than likely, there will be some two-dozen helpful CCers who volunteer to read it and give comments. </p>

<p>It is in my experience that the truly bad essays will get generally universal panning. However, what about better, good or excellent essays? In my experience, when I get too many opinions on something, it defeats the original purpose. Instead of getting true insight, we get a multitude of voices offering 3 or 5 or even 20 different ways to “fix” or improve. </p>

<p>When I was completing my college essays in my senior year, I showed them to everyone who would read it. It proved to be one too many opinions and it only made my head spin. </p>

<p>When I again had the opportunity to show someone an essay for an application this past year, I only allowed two generous folks to proofread it. Revising the essay with two sets (instead of twenty sets) of focused criticism was incredibly easier. </p>

<p>So is it really wise to ask everyone who is willing to read your essay? I really encourage the rising senior to find two or three people with different experiences and backgrounds (and whose judgment you trust) to carefully read your essays. Posting on CC with 50 responses from (mostly very, very kind helpful people with the occasional junior or senior who wants to steal ideas) random people will probably only waste your time.</p>

<p>Anyone disagree?</p>

2

<p>It doesn't really matter....if I were to ask people to read it...I don't expect them to proofread it...just how it sounds on a general level</p>

<p>a) did it answer the prompt?
b) was it good?
c) good voice?</p>

3

<p>glucose101...
Sorry...I misstated. I don't think most people expect others to proofread either. What I meant was more of the kind of questions you stated yourself.</p>

4

<p>Everyone should have the same opinion...or close to it</p>

<p>If not, then I don't think it's a "great" paper</p>

5

<p>I would definitely agree, WindCloud. I know I've had to adjust my writing style somewhat many times in high school to suit the style of the teacher I was writing for. There isn't one right way to write an essay, so it's completely possible that if you ask 20 people they will have 20 (valid) opinions.</p>

<p>I think I already know who's reading mine.</p>

6

<p>glucose....i don't agree that everyone will have the same opinion. </p>

<p>Think of all the examples of masterworks in art, fiction, music etc.
Not everyone thinks James Joyce is amazing. Reading an essay is the same...its completely subjective. Yes, there are SOME standards...but otherwise, I think 10 people will all have different reactions after reading an essay.</p>

7

<p>everyone has an opinion, thats why you should send the people you trust your essays</p>