Is it possible to buy a college essay in Houston, Texas?

I've seen a lot of ads online saying you can buy college essays and some even claim to offer services right here in Houston, Texas. Has anyone actually done this or know if it's a common thing in my area?

I'm trying to understand if this is a legit option for students who are struggling with their application essays or just a big scam. I would never want to do something against the rules, but I'm feeling really anxious because my essay is not coming together at all and I keep seeing these offers pop up in my searches.

Are there any risks with this, or is it something that some students actually do and get away with?
4 months ago
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13 views
Camille Luong
 • 4 months ago
Advisor
There are indeed companies and individuals in Houston, Texas, and elsewhere, who claim to sell college essays, but this is not a legitimate or advisable path for any student. While some ads might make it seem common or easy, purchasing a college essay is a form of academic dishonesty and is strictly against the rules of every college and university in the U.S.

The risks are significant. If you submit an essay you didn't write, you're misrepresenting yourself in your application. Most colleges use plagiarism detection tools and are trained to spot writing that doesn't match the rest of your application or your academic record. If you get caught, you could have your admission rescinded or face other serious consequences.

Even beyond the ethical issues, the companies that sell essays are often scams. You might pay for a generic, low-quality essay, or your personal information could be misused. Some students have reported receiving essays that were copied from the internet, reused for multiple clients, or not delivered at all.

Instead of looking for ways to buy an essay, consider reaching out for legitimate support. For example, many high schools in Houston offer college essay workshops through their counseling departments, and there are nonprofit organizations and libraries in the area that offer free essay review or mentorship. These resources can help you brainstorm ideas and strengthen your writing without crossing any ethical boundaries.

A lot of students feel overwhelmed by college essays at some point. If your essay isn't coming together, you're definitely not alone. Try breaking the writing process into steps—brainstorm, outline, draft, and revise. If you want a boost, you could look into essay review services or work with a trusted teacher, counselor, or writing tutor.

For example, a friend of mine in Houston struggled with his essay topic for weeks. He finally talked to his school librarian, who helped him find a topic based on a small but meaningful experience as a volunteer. The essay came together naturally when he focused on something personal, rather than worrying about writing what he thought admissions officers wanted.

In summary, it's risky and unethical to buy an essay, and you definitely have better, safer, and more effective options. Focus on your own story—colleges want to hear your authentic voice, not someone else's.
Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)