My sense is that the Admissions Departments know that the overwhelming majority of essays are written in part or in whole by an adult with a post graduate level degree. Despite this, they choose to keep up the charade so that they may have huge discretion over who they admit. The truth of the matter is most American adults, even those with college degrees do not know how to write.
I think have obviously been aware of the fact that many students get help with their essays from friends, teachers private consultants, etc. But there is a difference between someone reading an essay and providing feedback on how it could be better .. and someone just ghostwriting an entire essay with no input from the student applicant. I do believe that in most cases admission officers can tell the difference ( and in some cases might overlook an obviously ghostwritten essay for whatever reason ) When my daughter was applying in 2021 I gave her feedback on what I thought worked best and helped her cut down some drafts to meet wordcounts etc. But I think her essays read so personally and specific in a way that matched the overall narrative she presented of herself in the rest of her application to have come off as being crafted by anyone else but her. Because she did not submit test scores I believe her essays were one of the strongest components of her application-- which helped her get into 18 of the 20 schools she applied to.
Maybe one purpose of the essay today is for the student to identify their race if they are a minority. Seems like colleges are obsessed with this issue.
I do believe that most colleges value having a diverse student body ... which is a great thing for the colleges educational environment and society as a whole
My sense is that the Admissions Departments know that the overwhelming majority of essays are written in part or in whole by an adult with a post graduate level degree. Despite this, they choose to keep up the charade so that they may have huge discretion over who they admit.
The truth of the matter is most American adults, even those with college degrees do not know how to write.
Also think about the college consulting industry that is probably collaborating with the top colleges
I think have obviously been aware of the fact that many students get help with their essays from friends, teachers private consultants, etc. But there is a difference between someone reading an essay and providing feedback on how it could be better .. and someone just ghostwriting an entire essay with no input from the student applicant. I do believe that in most cases admission officers can tell the difference ( and in some cases might overlook an obviously ghostwritten essay for whatever reason ) When my daughter was applying in 2021 I gave her feedback on what I thought worked best and helped her cut down some drafts to meet wordcounts etc. But I think her essays read so personally and specific in a way that matched the overall narrative she presented of herself in the rest of her application to have come off as being crafted by anyone else but her. Because she did not submit test scores I believe her essays were one of the strongest components of her application-- which helped her get into 18 of the 20 schools she applied to.
You mentioned full tuition students. Does that have a significant influence on admissions? Do you have any videos about need aware schools? Thank you!
Maybe one purpose of the essay today is for the student to identify their race if they are a minority. Seems like colleges are obsessed with this issue.
Without a doubt
I do believe that most colleges value having a diverse student body ... which is a great thing for the colleges educational environment and society as a whole
Essay is bias against low income students. Colleges should not rely on essay that much.
Everything is a boas against low-income students
First