<p>So, I do the IB right? I wrote an extended essay, and then decided to completely scrap it and write another one instead (it wasn't that simple but the general idea is that I have a fully written paper/essay with no use for it). That's not the problem.</p>
<p>I thought I would submit the abstract of the first essay (which is now otherwise useless, but a really good paper) as a "science supplement" as per Columbia's instructions. However, my dad did help edit the paper (purely professional help. I wrote the entire thing, but he gave me extensive feedback), and now my parents think that the essay looks beyond the level of a high school student and are worried that adcoms might think I didn't really write it.</p>
<p>So, either tell me I'm silly for even thinking that my writing will seem "too good to be true", or tell me that many people submit papers that seem very professional, or tell me it's okay because I'm only submitting an abstract, or tell me the supplement won't matter anyways, or tell me whatever you think. I really think the supplement would help my application, but don't want to add it unnecessarily if there's a large risk that it would be seen as plagiarism.</p>
<p>If you PM me with both I'll let you know if I think the edited version has been corrected too much to be attributable to you.</p>
<p>I don't actually have the unedited version O.o I never thought I would use it again.
I mean, plenty of people do research with professors right?</p>
<p>Well, do you have any other comparable, unedited articles? I could use those as well. I spent a considerable amount of time as a newspaper editor and am pretty keen on telling forgeries from authentic works.</p>
<p>I pm'd you something. Thanks.
I was really just looking for quick opinions though. I know there are other people who submit abstracts of scientific papers, any wisdom from those with experience?</p>
<p>I'm posting an excerpt of my response to your PM because I think it's relevant for anybody with similar questions who looks this up later, I hope you don't mind:</p>
<p>I think that as a science supplement what really matters is the content relevant to your area of study and not the style. Ultimately, what matters is that you understand the material and feel that the only purpose the edited work serves is to improve your conveyance of that original thought.</p>
<p>This isn't your autobiography, where it would be more important for them to understand exactly how you see your world, through your words. It's a science supplement; so, ultimately, what matters is the science. If you can look at the work and honestly say, "I could have written something like that if I tried harder," then I think it's a successful edit and not a forgery. If you're not so sure, I'd say you should re-work it to the point where you feel like the imagery is closer to what you meant to portray.</p>
<p>That's cool.</p>
<p>any idea how to submit the supplement? attach it in the additional information section, or mail it separately?</p>