Is it ever okay to buy a college essay for applications?
I keep seeing ads and posts online about places where you can buy college essays, and I'm starting to wonder if people actually do this and get away with it.
I'm feeling a lot of stress about my personal statement (I'm really struggling to figure out what to write, and a lot of my friends seem so far ahead already). I know it sounds sketchy, but with how important these essays are, is anyone actually buying them? Or is it just a huge risk of getting caught?
I just want to understand how colleges even check for this stuff and what kind of consequences there could be if someone got caught. Also, has anyone ever heard of someone pulling this off without problems, or is it the kind of thing that's all overhyped and not really done? Kind of freaking out a little right now.
I'm feeling a lot of stress about my personal statement (I'm really struggling to figure out what to write, and a lot of my friends seem so far ahead already). I know it sounds sketchy, but with how important these essays are, is anyone actually buying them? Or is it just a huge risk of getting caught?
I just want to understand how colleges even check for this stuff and what kind of consequences there could be if someone got caught. Also, has anyone ever heard of someone pulling this off without problems, or is it the kind of thing that's all overhyped and not really done? Kind of freaking out a little right now.
4 months ago
•
19 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
It's completely understandable to feel stressed about your college essays, especially when it seems like everyone else is making progress. To answer your question directly: buying a college essay for your application is never a good idea. Not only is this considered plagiarism, but it's also a serious violation of academic integrity, and colleges have become very aware of it.
Admissions offices use specialized plagiarism-checking software (like Turnitin and others) to scan essays for similarities to published material and previous applications. But they don't just rely on software. Experienced admissions readers can often recognize writing that doesn't match a student's voice, especially if the rest of your application—like your activities list, transcripts, or supplemental answers—sounds different. It's harder than you think to fake personal experiences, achievements, or emotions in a totally convincing way. And in some cases, they'll ask for an interview or additional writing to confirm authenticity.
If a college finds out you submitted an essay you didn't write, the consequences can be severe. This includes your application being immediately rejected, and if the deception comes to light after you're admitted, colleges have even rescinded offers. There have been publicized cases of this happening, and it's a risk that just isn't worth taking when so much is on the line.
Pressure is high, but the personal statement is meant to reflect who you are, not who a hired writer thinks you should be. Admissions officers are genuinely looking for authenticity—they want to hear your true story (even if you think it’s 'boring' or imperfect). Your voice is more valuable than you realize.
If you’re stuck, consider starting with a small moment that meant a lot to you, or ask friends and family what personal qualities they notice in you. Even a story about a minor setback, a quirky interest, or a lesson learned from daily life can make for a compelling essay if told in your own words. For example, someone once wrote a standout essay about their experience as a part-time sandwich artist and what it taught them about patience, detail, and customer service—nothing dramatic, but it felt very real and personal.
If you need more guidance, there are plenty of legitimate resources, like counseling staff, teachers, or essay review services that help brainstorm and edit (but don't write the essay for you). You're absolutely not alone in how you feel, and it's always better to ask for help than to risk your whole future by cutting corners.
Keep going—you’ve got this, and the best essays often come from unexpected places once you let your own voice shine through.
Admissions offices use specialized plagiarism-checking software (like Turnitin and others) to scan essays for similarities to published material and previous applications. But they don't just rely on software. Experienced admissions readers can often recognize writing that doesn't match a student's voice, especially if the rest of your application—like your activities list, transcripts, or supplemental answers—sounds different. It's harder than you think to fake personal experiences, achievements, or emotions in a totally convincing way. And in some cases, they'll ask for an interview or additional writing to confirm authenticity.
If a college finds out you submitted an essay you didn't write, the consequences can be severe. This includes your application being immediately rejected, and if the deception comes to light after you're admitted, colleges have even rescinded offers. There have been publicized cases of this happening, and it's a risk that just isn't worth taking when so much is on the line.
Pressure is high, but the personal statement is meant to reflect who you are, not who a hired writer thinks you should be. Admissions officers are genuinely looking for authenticity—they want to hear your true story (even if you think it’s 'boring' or imperfect). Your voice is more valuable than you realize.
If you’re stuck, consider starting with a small moment that meant a lot to you, or ask friends and family what personal qualities they notice in you. Even a story about a minor setback, a quirky interest, or a lesson learned from daily life can make for a compelling essay if told in your own words. For example, someone once wrote a standout essay about their experience as a part-time sandwich artist and what it taught them about patience, detail, and customer service—nothing dramatic, but it felt very real and personal.
If you need more guidance, there are plenty of legitimate resources, like counseling staff, teachers, or essay review services that help brainstorm and edit (but don't write the essay for you). You're absolutely not alone in how you feel, and it's always better to ask for help than to risk your whole future by cutting corners.
Keep going—you’ve got this, and the best essays often come from unexpected places once you let your own voice shine through.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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