Competition for college entrance has gotten fierce-more students than ever are applying to college, and that means there is more pressure to stand out. Some families hire admissions consultants or essay specialists, and according to the Boston Globe this has admissions officers worried.

With so much help available to college-bound students, admissions committees at especially selective schools like Harvard are paying close attention to the essays. Their worry is that the outside “help” of parents or hired consultants may extend far beyond simple editing suggestions.

The New Importance of the Essay

As the volume of college apps increase, the essay has become increasingly important to a student’s admittance prospects at selective private schools. In a sea of good grades and high SAT/ACT test scores, it can be the defining factor of a student.

That’s why now more than ever it is important that the essay paints an honest picture of a student and his/her passion, drive, and purpose. A too-perfect essay could raise red flags at the admissions office-especially if the student’s English grades or SAT or ACT essays don’t match up with the skillful writing of the essay.

Passion Over Perfection

I was struck by a quote from Stu Schmill, MIT’s interim admissions director that appeared in the Globe article. He said that, “The best thing [students] can do is write from the heart.”

In fact, several different admissions officers echoed Schmill’s feelings. They’re more interested in an applicants’ voice than in a grammatically flawless essay. That means it is perfectly okay if your student writes like a 17-year-old-that is what admissions officers expect!

While you absolutely should not write your son or daughter’s essay yourself, there is no harm in giving them guidance if they need it. My son and I spent time brainstorming what experiences and aspects of his life would be appropriate and enjoyable for him to write about. Proof reading or even assisting with an outline is completely acceptable-just make sure your child does the actual writing so his or her voice and personality comes through loud and clear!

All the best,
Deborah Fox

photo: red flag 1 by mart1n