Are custom college essay writing services a good idea or risky?

Custom college essay writing services might sound tempting, especially when you’re feeling overloaded, but there are several big risks and ethical concerns you should consider.

Most importantly, colleges expect that your essays are written by you. Submitting an essay that someone else wrote, even if you paid for it, is considered plagiarism and could seriously jeopardize your application. If an admissions officer suspects you didn’t write your own essay, or if it doesn’t match your other application materials (like your writing sample or emails), the school might reject your application or even rescind an offer after acceptance. Some schools even run essays through plagiarism detection software. Just last year, a student shared that their university rescinded offers for several applicants when it turned out their essays weren’t original.

In terms of quality, the writing from these services can be hit or miss. Sometimes the essays sound generic, don’t reflect your real voice, or miss the mark on the prompt altogether. Plus, admissions committees read thousands of essays per year—they can usually tell when the writing doesn’t match a high-schooler’s authentic perspective or style. Your real, unique experiences and personality are your best assets; custom services can rarely replicate that.

That said, it’s absolutely okay (and wise) to get outside feedback or support—just not someone writing it for you. For example, working with a counselor, teacher, or a reputable review service that critiques your drafts but leaves your writing and ideas intact is ethical and helpful. Lots of students use these resources to polish their work, and it helps ensure the essay is readable, error-free, and authentic. A friend of mine got helpful input from a college advisor who pointed out sections of her essay that needed more personal detail; she updated it herself, and the finished product felt 100% hers while also much stronger.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try breaking down the essay process into smaller steps: brainstorming, outlining, writing a first draft, then editing. Even starting with bullet points for your ideas can make the task feel less daunting. And remember, admissions officers are looking for your genuine voice and story, not something perfectly polished by a pro.

In summary: custom essay writing services for college apps are risky and could hurt your chances. Focus on getting feedback and guidance rather than full-service writing. You’ll protect your integrity and give colleges the chance to meet the real you.