Is it a bad idea to hire someone to write your college essay?
I've been really struggling with my college essay and it feels like no matter how hard I try, I can't get my ideas out the way I want. Some of my classmates have mentioned that they know people who hire professionals or tutors to help with their essays, and I’m starting to wonder if it’s something I should consider.
Has anyone here ever used a service or paid someone to help write or edit your main essay? Is it considered unethical or could it even get your application disqualified? I know authenticity matters, but the whole process seems overwhelming right now. I’d appreciate hearing about any experiences with this, positive or negative. I just want to make sure I’m not making a big mistake if I go down this road.
Has anyone here ever used a service or paid someone to help write or edit your main essay? Is it considered unethical or could it even get your application disqualified? I know authenticity matters, but the whole process seems overwhelming right now. I’d appreciate hearing about any experiences with this, positive or negative. I just want to make sure I’m not making a big mistake if I go down this road.
4 months ago
•
32 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the college essay process—almost everyone does at some point! When it comes to getting help with your essays, there’s an important difference between support and outright ghostwriting.
Hiring someone to write your essay for you is not just a bad idea, it’s considered unethical by colleges and could put your application at serious risk. Colleges expect your essays to reflect your own voice, thoughts, and experiences. If an essay is submitted that’s clearly not your work, admissions officers have ways of detecting this, and in extreme cases, it can result in your application being disqualified. Some schools even use specialized software to identify essays written by someone else.
However, there is nothing wrong with seeking help editing and brainstorming. Many students work with teachers, counselors, or professional editors to improve their writing. The key is to use any service or support as a way to find your own voice and strengthen your message—not to have someone do it for you. For example, a good essay editor or advisor might help you identify the most compelling parts of your story, offer suggestions on structure, and flag sentences that sound unclear, but they won’t rewrite the essay from scratch.
I once had a friend who worked closely with her English teacher on several drafts. The teacher pointed out which parts sounded most authentic and made suggestions about grammar and tone, but my friend did all the writing herself. Her essay turned out stronger and still sounded just like her.
If you’re struggling, consider asking someone you trust for feedback, or use a reputable editing service, but always make sure the final product is a reflection of your own words and ideas. Ultimately, authenticity is valued far more than perfection—and admissions officers can tell when an essay feels original and genuine. Stay true to yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance, just be careful about crossing that ethical line.
Hiring someone to write your essay for you is not just a bad idea, it’s considered unethical by colleges and could put your application at serious risk. Colleges expect your essays to reflect your own voice, thoughts, and experiences. If an essay is submitted that’s clearly not your work, admissions officers have ways of detecting this, and in extreme cases, it can result in your application being disqualified. Some schools even use specialized software to identify essays written by someone else.
However, there is nothing wrong with seeking help editing and brainstorming. Many students work with teachers, counselors, or professional editors to improve their writing. The key is to use any service or support as a way to find your own voice and strengthen your message—not to have someone do it for you. For example, a good essay editor or advisor might help you identify the most compelling parts of your story, offer suggestions on structure, and flag sentences that sound unclear, but they won’t rewrite the essay from scratch.
I once had a friend who worked closely with her English teacher on several drafts. The teacher pointed out which parts sounded most authentic and made suggestions about grammar and tone, but my friend did all the writing herself. Her essay turned out stronger and still sounded just like her.
If you’re struggling, consider asking someone you trust for feedback, or use a reputable editing service, but always make sure the final product is a reflection of your own words and ideas. Ultimately, authenticity is valued far more than perfection—and admissions officers can tell when an essay feels original and genuine. Stay true to yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance, just be careful about crossing that ethical line.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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5.0 (5 reviews)