Is it ever okay to buy college essays for applications?
I'm a senior this year, and I'm honestly getting super overwhelmed by all the different essays I have to write for my college apps. I keep seeing ads online for sites where you can pay someone to write your essays, and it's kind of tempting even though I know it's probably not a good idea.
Have any of you actually tried this, or know what could happen if someone did? I feel like the process is so stressful and the pressure to write something amazing is really high. Is it ever actually worth it, or is it totally a trap? Just want to know what people think and if admissions offices can even tell if you didn't write your own essay.
I’d love some honest input before I make any decisions.
Have any of you actually tried this, or know what could happen if someone did? I feel like the process is so stressful and the pressure to write something amazing is really high. Is it ever actually worth it, or is it totally a trap? Just want to know what people think and if admissions offices can even tell if you didn't write your own essay.
I’d love some honest input before I make any decisions.
6 months ago
•
27 views
Roger Lopez
• 6 months ago
Advisor
It's really normal to feel overwhelmed by the college application process—there are a ton of essays, deadlines, and high expectations. But while it might seem tempting to pay someone to write your essays, it's not a good or ethical path to take.
First, college admissions officers absolutely want to hear your genuine voice and story. When you submit work that's not your own, you're risking more than just a low-quality application. If a college discovers you submitted an essay written by someone else, it counts as plagiarism or academic dishonesty. Many schools use software or have admissions officers trained to recognize inconsistencies in writing style. If you're caught, at best your application will be immediately rejected, and at worst you could be blacklisted from not just one but potentially multiple institutions.
Beyond the risk, professionally written essays don't usually capture your real voice or experiences. Admissions committees read thousands of essays every season—they get really good at spotting essays that sound generic, off-topic, or just not authentic. For example, an essay might use overly formal language or references that don't fit your background. They can tell when something feels 'off,' especially if your grades and materials show a different writing style.
Instead of buying essays, consider reaching out for real help: talk with a teacher, counselor, or use support services to brainstorm, edit, and get feedback. You can also break the work into smaller pieces—maybe outline one prompt each night, write for 20 minutes, or share drafts with friends. I know people who've turned what seemed like a stressful ordeal into an opportunity to reflect and tell a story that's genuinely theirs.
Remember: a sincere, imperfect essay is way more valuable than a polished but fake one. Schools are admitting real people, not perfect writing. Plus, writing your own essays helps you grow as a storyteller—skills you'll use in college and beyond. If you need resources or guidance, there's a lot out there that'll help you stay true to yourself and your story.
First, college admissions officers absolutely want to hear your genuine voice and story. When you submit work that's not your own, you're risking more than just a low-quality application. If a college discovers you submitted an essay written by someone else, it counts as plagiarism or academic dishonesty. Many schools use software or have admissions officers trained to recognize inconsistencies in writing style. If you're caught, at best your application will be immediately rejected, and at worst you could be blacklisted from not just one but potentially multiple institutions.
Beyond the risk, professionally written essays don't usually capture your real voice or experiences. Admissions committees read thousands of essays every season—they get really good at spotting essays that sound generic, off-topic, or just not authentic. For example, an essay might use overly formal language or references that don't fit your background. They can tell when something feels 'off,' especially if your grades and materials show a different writing style.
Instead of buying essays, consider reaching out for real help: talk with a teacher, counselor, or use support services to brainstorm, edit, and get feedback. You can also break the work into smaller pieces—maybe outline one prompt each night, write for 20 minutes, or share drafts with friends. I know people who've turned what seemed like a stressful ordeal into an opportunity to reflect and tell a story that's genuinely theirs.
Remember: a sincere, imperfect essay is way more valuable than a polished but fake one. Schools are admitting real people, not perfect writing. Plus, writing your own essays helps you grow as a storyteller—skills you'll use in college and beyond. If you need resources or guidance, there's a lot out there that'll help you stay true to yourself and your story.
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Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years