Is it better to submit a bad essay or no essay (Princeton)?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

Princeton requires the submission of a written graded paper to apply. However, for students who graduated last year and do not have a paper to submit it states: “If you are unable to provide a graded written paper, we will still review your application, but we will have less information with which to review your file.”

I have found two essays from my junior year, but I would consider both of them poorly written. It probably is a reflection of what my writing was like 2 years ago but does not represent my current skills (my opinion). I feel that I am a much stronger writer now and it seems like it would kill my chances of admission (even though I will be a STEM major). Do you think not submitting an essay would be worse than submitting a poorly written one (if I were to grade it right now, I would give it a ~75%)?

2

The graded paper is required in the Princeton application; therefore, not submitting an essay would be bad. These “lesser” writings from your past, when compared with your other essays in the application can serve to demonstrate how much you have progressed as a writer.

3

You have an additional option beyond paper/no paper:

Princeton requests the graded paper to replace the writing section of the ACT or SAT which they no longer require, but can still be submitted by applicants.

If you’re worried about the quality of your written paper from junior year, you can submit an SAT or ACT with the optional writing section.

Edit: Just read one of your prior threads where you wrote: “both SAT and ACT have abysmally low writing scores.”

Based on that, I’d say submit your junior paper.

4

Yes, my SAT and ACT writing were worse. I did get the grade back from this essay and I actually got a 95, but I think that the teacher was going very easy. I am still uneasy about submitting the essay because I have seen what Princeton caliber students write. Even what I write now is significantly better.

5

Did you graduate last year?

If so, you can use this exception, though I’d still recommend submitting a paper that received a 95.

If not, not submitting a required part of the application would an incomplete application.

6

Yes, I did graduate last year. The only way I can imagine this essay helping me though is if they just read my grade and my teacher’s response to the essay.

Even if they just read the first page or two, it becomes apparent quickly that my sentences are both verbose and basic/superficial. Much of the essay feels like a summary rather than a proof/analysis, and the thesis is quite weak.

7

I feel like it’s a bit of an exaggeration to say that submitting a poorly written graded paper—that received a 95 nonetheless—would kill your chances (especially if you’re a STEM major anyways). Worst case scenario, the essay is simply a weak point in your application just like low test scores would be a weak point in someone’s application. And as with test scores, sending low ones is MUCH better than sending none at all when they are required.

Moreover, AO’s will understand just as well as you do that this represents your skill as a junior. Perhaps you just think they are horrible because writers are their own worst critics and spending time away from your writing only makes you hate it more. It may very well be an excellent essay for a junior. Regardless, as others have said, your other essays will serve as proof of your growth as a writer.

8

I’ve wondered if the fact that they wanted it graded could also be an indicator of quality of teaching of the high school. If, hypothetically, a poorly worded essay gets a 95 and a “great job!” at the top, it’s a reflection of the quality of the high school-- and they might take that into account.

9

@rosemaryandthyme I was thinking the exact same thing. There is no rubric attached so there’s no way for them to say that it wasn’t what they were looking for, but I’ve definitely wondered if it would lower credibility for my school. At least this essay was from a semester school though, not my four year high school.

10

I agree with @“so_excited!:)” . A number of applicants will also be submitting work from their junior years. Since the OP says his work is a reflection of his writing in junior year, it would be okay. The AO’s would notice that. It can only be positive for you that you also got a good mark. (Similarly, it is hard to speculate how another applicant’s writing level is now, although he/she may submit something from a year or two ago.)

As @“so_excited!:)” pointed out, your current writing level would show through your application essays now. College admissions often focus on the “trend” and “trajectory” of a student’s work and achievements.

If you do not submit anything (and give no explanation), it will only give the impression either you don’t have anything to submit, you have overlooked it, or you have something to hide. Princeton (regional AO’s) have got a lot of data points and will not draw conclusions about your school from a single data point. That should not be your concern now.

If you are really worried about it, I have two suggestions.
(1) attach a cover note to your written submission with a very brief note explaining it–although I think that is unnecessary, and (2) don’t put all your eggs in one basket–make sure you also submit applications to other schools with no written work or SAT/ACT essay requirements.

Fully understand your concern here. But I think you have a reasonable solution in this case, since at least your teacher liked your paper. The high mark will indicate your work was above his/her expectations. I have been to an info sessions at Princeton where the AO emphasized that she wanted to see if you are doing well and taking up the challenges available at your school. (Some schools have more resources and some have less. That will be fine.)

Think about if. If you were an AO, would you prefer someone who has (1) submitted a (not so great) paper scoring 95%, or
(2) not submitted the required written/graded work?
(If you submit nothing, your HS work quality can only be speculated, the possibilities are unlimited. IMHO, it is better to show what you have, than nothing.)

Again, I concur with @“so_excited!:)” , this is really just one of many parts of your application, especially since you are applying to major in STEM. (I mean, if you applying to do physics at Princeton but you cannot do basic algebra, that would be a concern. But you are not.)

Be comfortable with what you have and have not, and move on with your other applications. Time is running out. Good luck!

My Best Wishes to You and All Your Applications!

Just know you have all our support here.

11

@par271828nt that was very thorough, thank you very much for your response.

12

@guy1581

You don’t have any graded papers from your senior year of high school? You have things from two years ago, but not one year ago? Maybe I am missing something.

I would submit your essay. This sounds like it’s not far off from your actual rough draft writing skills…if your ACT or SAT writing score was similar.

I hope you are applying to schools other than Princeton…with its 5% or so acceptance rate, your writing sample might not be the reason you don’t get accepted (if that happens).