<p>I am a junior applying to MIT next year, and I from what I'm seeing in the result thread this year is that essays are REALLY IMPORTANT. It seems that they are way more important than your SAT/GPA. So with that in mind, I'm looking to read some good essays from people who got accepted, and some ones from people who didn't to give me a general idea of what MIT wants. I can't improve my stats anymore, but I can write a killer essay with the right tools!</p>
<p>bump</p>
<p>I know you’ve heard this before, but MIT doesn’t “want” anything, other than to know your interests, personality, and such. Trying to find the “right personality” with other people’s essays means you’re not representing yourself (bottom line - you’re faking it), it will likely show, and in any case, MIT isn’t testing your ability to write a great 100% essay; MIT is trying to learn more about YOU, not as much about your writing ability (that’s what grades, SAT, etc. are for).</p>
<p>So what does MIT want? Well, that, you can find about anywhere - the best of the blogs are a great place to start.</p>
<p>And unrelated, but if Chris happens to chance by, I received an email a few weeks ago reminding me to register for CPW (EA admit), and the text on the bottom says that I received the email because I applied to MIT - I don’t believe everyone who applied was reminded to register for CPW…</p>
<p>I’m really looking to read a good essay just to see the basic format and style. If anything it will satisfy my curiosity. If you have one, I’d really appreciate if you could send it. </p>
<p>nambugoldstone:
As mentioned, there is ample material in this MIT forum on CC as well as out on the web for “How to get into MIT”. Spend some time searching and reading it. I think you’ll learn a lot.</p>
<p>Please don’t do this. </p>
<p>@mitchris Should I not read other people’s essays? I had no idea. It won’t happen again. Sorry if I’ve broken any rules.</p>
<p>@MITChris @IIlIll
It sounds like the email footer is messed up again, just the other way around this time</p>
<p>I think Chris is just being insanely cautions with email signatures for a while…</p>
<p>It’s not that there’s a rule against reading essays that other people have written, and it’s not that it’s unethical. It’s just that you should develop your own authentic voice rather than trying to emulate someone else’s. </p>
<p>@molliebatmit Honestly, I just don’t want to write the essay to casually/jokingly. This is a major part of my life, and while I want it to be authentic, my real personality is far to sarcastic and crude to sound good on an essay.</p>
<p>I think it is unethical… you are fishing for other’s ideas and format, even if somehow you don’t think you are dong that. This is the ultimate place where you need to “do your own work”. If you aren’t sure, pursue 2-3 different paths and ask a trusted adult (guidance counselor or English teacher) to review them and help you decide which one to polish up and move forward with.</p>
<p>Ok, so I’m assuming that college essay formats are a bit abstract based off of the answers I’ve received here. Sorry for stirring the hornets nest. I will delete the post.</p>
<p>Look, this is clearly unethical. The essays are meant to project your voice, not ours. For guidance on form and structure, enlist the help of your guidance counselor, english teacher - people that know how to write well. For advice on your voice, seek your friends, parents, relatives - people who know you on a personal level. And, it’s cliched beyond belief, but particularly applies to writing essays, go with your gut.</p>
<p>Ok, I understand. I guess I just panicked, and thought it would be a good idea to get some advice, but I realize going along my own path during the application process is the best way.</p>
<p>I’m not trying to play devil’s advocate here, but I would suggest that it might not be a bad idea to read other’s successful applications – especially if you have ideas but are having trouble formulating them into a coherent application. I read several other people’s essays before and while I wrote mine (there are plenty online if you spend a few minutes looking). Seeing how others responded in similar situations let me express myself that much more clearly and gave me a far better idea of what good college essays look like.
I got in, and I think my essays were among the best – and most authentic – things I’ve ever written. If you’re confident that you can avoid plagiarism and keep your own voice, I’d say go for it.</p>
<p>For the record, I don’t think it’s unethical in the least.</p>
<p>But I think it’s unrealistic to think you’ll read a couple of essays and see “what MIT is looking for”, any more than you can read the CC results threads and see the same thing. As @NipTheMushroom suggests, use them to get a general sense of breadth and detail, but don’t use them to acquire a tone and voice. </p>
<p>@jtg007 et al - </p>
<p>Well, you <em>did</em> apply to MIT if you were admitted ;). But yes, just out of caution. I’ve changed it now to something even more oblique. Enjoy! </p>
<p>I’m adding my “ditto” to those who say don’t read someone else’s essay. The application is so much more than those short responses. it’s the interviewer’s report, the school recommendations, the individual student’s choice of passions, etc. More than 1,000 students received acceptances and those essays are likely written 1,000 different ways. </p>
<p>Besides, what caught someone’s eye this year might not be as attractive next year. There is no “magic” formula for how to get into MIT beyond being yourself.</p>
<p>Geez lighten up people. I don’t think the OP is trying to copy someone else’s essay or is behaving unethically. He or she is just trying to get an idea of the quality level required to get into MIT. There probably is a book published with sample essays from admitted students. I have one from Harvard.</p>