Is it okay to use a professional college admission essay writer?
I've been stressing a lot over my college essays lately, and the pressure to make them perfect feels overwhelming sometimes. Some of my friends have mentioned they hired professional college essay writers to help craft their essays.
I'm really torn about this. On the one hand, I want my application to be as strong as possible, but on the other hand, I'm worried about whether using an essay writer is considered ethical or if colleges can tell if you did. Has anyone else thought about this or maybe used these services before? I'd love to hear your thoughts or any experiences you have with this.
I'm really torn about this. On the one hand, I want my application to be as strong as possible, but on the other hand, I'm worried about whether using an essay writer is considered ethical or if colleges can tell if you did. Has anyone else thought about this or maybe used these services before? I'd love to hear your thoughts or any experiences you have with this.
4 months ago
•
22 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
It's totally normal to feel a lot of pressure about your college essays, and you're definitely not alone in considering different types of help. However, hiring a professional college essay writer to actually write your essay for you is not considered ethical, and most colleges have clear policies against submitting work that isn't your own. Admissions officers are looking for your unique voice, your genuine perspective, and your authentic story—they want to get to know you, not a version of you filtered or crafted by someone else.
That said, there's a difference between getting honest feedback or guidance, and having someone else write your essay. It's absolutely okay to ask a trusted adult, teacher, or a reputable essay review service for feedback on your drafts, suggestions for improvement, or brainstorming help. Think of it like how you might ask a coach to review your swing in sports—you still have to take the shot yourself. It's your experiences, reflections, and creativity that should drive the content.
Colleges can often tell when an essay doesn't sound like a high school student's natural writing, especially when the vocabulary, style, or emotional depth seems mismatched with the rest of your application. For example, if your recommendation letters, short answers, and academic performance reflect a certain voice and maturity, and your essay suddenly reads like a published novelist, that can raise red flags. Some schools even use plagiarism detection software to verify authenticity.
If you’re struggling, try talking through your essay ideas with a counselor or friend, or write about a moment that changed how you see the world, even if it seems ordinary. For example, maybe a quiet car ride with a parent sparked a meaningful conversation, and that’s shaped who you are today. Keeping things real and personal will always stand out more than a professionally polished (but impersonal) essay.
Focus on being honest and reflective—help is fine, but your application should always sound like you.
That said, there's a difference between getting honest feedback or guidance, and having someone else write your essay. It's absolutely okay to ask a trusted adult, teacher, or a reputable essay review service for feedback on your drafts, suggestions for improvement, or brainstorming help. Think of it like how you might ask a coach to review your swing in sports—you still have to take the shot yourself. It's your experiences, reflections, and creativity that should drive the content.
Colleges can often tell when an essay doesn't sound like a high school student's natural writing, especially when the vocabulary, style, or emotional depth seems mismatched with the rest of your application. For example, if your recommendation letters, short answers, and academic performance reflect a certain voice and maturity, and your essay suddenly reads like a published novelist, that can raise red flags. Some schools even use plagiarism detection software to verify authenticity.
If you’re struggling, try talking through your essay ideas with a counselor or friend, or write about a moment that changed how you see the world, even if it seems ordinary. For example, maybe a quiet car ride with a parent sparked a meaningful conversation, and that’s shaped who you are today. Keeping things real and personal will always stand out more than a professionally polished (but impersonal) essay.
Focus on being honest and reflective—help is fine, but your application should always sound like you.
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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