Is it okay to use a free college essay I found online?

Using a college essay you found online—whether it's copying it entirely or just tweaking parts of it—carries a lot of risk, and I strongly suggest you don't do it. Colleges take plagiarism very seriously. Most schools use advanced plagiarism-detection software that can catch essays, or even parts of essays, that appear on public websites. Even if you change some words or adapt the story, these systems can recognize similarities in structure, phrasing, or ideas. Getting caught, unfortunately, can lead to your application being immediately rejected, and in some cases, schools could even notify other colleges to which you apply.

Beyond the risk of getting caught, another important factor is authenticity. Admission officers are trained to spot essays that don’t sound genuine or that read with a different "voice" from the rest of the application. For example, if your transcript and extracurricular activities suggest certain interests but your essay suddenly showcases a profoundly different style, it can raise red flags. They want to learn about your unique perspective and story, not someone else’s words from the internet.

If you’re feeling stuck, it’s okay to read examples for inspiration and to see how others structure their essays or tell their stories. But always use these only as a starting point. Think about a particular moment, challenge, or turning point in your life—something only you could write about with authenticity and detail. For instance, if you’re drawn to an essay about a science fair win because you also love science, focus on a specific experiment that failed, what you learned from that experience, and how it shaped your curiosity, rather than borrowing the other essay’s words or ideas.

Remember, admissions officers are looking for a window into who you are. Even if your story feels "ordinary" to you, your authentic perspective is far more compelling than a polished but borrowed essay. You'll also avoid any risk of jeopardizing your application. If you’re still feeling stuck, working with a trusted teacher, counselor, or a dedicated essay review service can provide personalized feedback and help you brainstorm ideas that are all your own.