Is it okay to use Grammarly when editing my college application essays?

You don't need to worry about using Grammarly for your college application essays. Using grammar and spell-check tools is completely acceptable and very common among applicants. Grammarly works similarly to the spell check that comes with programs like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, but offers more in-depth suggestions.

Colleges expect you to submit your best writing, which includes proper grammar, punctuation, and clear sentences. Tools like Grammarly can help you catch small errors or awkward phrasing, but they don't generate content or change your ideas. As long as the substance of the essay—the stories, reflections, and voice—are genuinely yours, there's no issue with using editing software to polish your writing.

Admissions officers are looking for authenticity, so it's important that Grammarly (or any similar tool) doesn't rewrite your essay or add ideas you wouldn't have included yourself. It's best used for catching typos, fixing run-on sentences, or clarifying meaning. For example, if Grammarly points out a sentence like, "I hopes to attending Harvard," you should absolutely correct it to, "I hope to attend Harvard." That's not cheating—it's basic proofreading.

In fact, most students use some combination of technology and feedback from trusted teachers, counselors, or editors to perfect their essays. Just make sure to keep your unique voice and perspective, and don't rely so much on automated suggestions that your writing starts to sound generic or artificial.

In short: using Grammarly is not against the rules and will not get you in trouble with colleges. Think of it as a helpful second set of eyes, but not a replacement for your thoughts and experiences.