Is it okay to hire essay writers for my college essays?
I've been hearing a lot about people getting help from professional essay writers for their college applications, and honestly, I'm a little confused about where the line is. My writing isn’t terrible, but sometimes I feel like my essays could be so much better if someone more experienced helped out.
Has anyone actually hired an essay writer or a service for their personal statements? Did it really help, or did it make things more complicated with authenticity and stuff? I want to make my application as strong as possible, but I'm also kind of worried colleges might be able to tell if someone else helped me too much.
Would love to hear what the general opinion is and maybe some stories about people's experiences with this!
Has anyone actually hired an essay writer or a service for their personal statements? Did it really help, or did it make things more complicated with authenticity and stuff? I want to make my application as strong as possible, but I'm also kind of worried colleges might be able to tell if someone else helped me too much.
Would love to hear what the general opinion is and maybe some stories about people's experiences with this!
7 months ago
•
60 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 7 months ago
Advisor
This is a really important question, and you’re definitely not the only one thinking about it. It’s completely normal to want your essays to be the best they can be, especially with so much pressure to stand out in college applications. But when it comes to hiring essay writers who actually write your essays for you, there’s a clear line that colleges care about: authenticity.
Admissions officers are reading thousands of essays, and they’re surprisingly good at picking up on work that doesn’t sound like a student wrote it. That doesn’t mean you have to write perfectly, but your voice and your perspective–even with their flaws–are really what colleges want to see. If an essay sounds generic or too polished, it can actually hurt you. There have been cases where essays raise red flags, which leads to more scrutiny or even potential consequences if a college suspects the work isn't your own.
That said, getting guidance is absolutely fine! Many students work with teachers, counselors, or essay advisors who give feedback, help brainstorm, and point out places to strengthen your writing. The key difference is that you should be the one doing the writing, revising, and reflecting. Think of it like having an editor for a school project: they can show you where you're unclear or tell you which part stands out, but the work and the ideas stay yours.
For example, one student I know wrote about a small but meaningful moment in their life and worked closely with a mentor who helped them clarify their story–not rewrite it. The student’s essay still sounded like them, and it worked out well. On the other hand, I’ve heard of students who turned in essays written mostly by someone else and then struggled to answer related interview questions or supplemental prompts.
If you’re not sure about the line, remember this rule of thumb: it’s perfectly fine for someone to review your essay and give feedback, but the words should be yours. If you want your essay to be stronger, focus on clear storytelling, specific details, and revisions, rather than outsourcing the writing process. Colleges want to hear YOUR story–even if it’s not written the way a pro novelist would.
If you need support, look for editing services or individuals who respect that boundary. They can help polish your work and bring out your best voice, which is really what admissions officers are hoping to find.
Admissions officers are reading thousands of essays, and they’re surprisingly good at picking up on work that doesn’t sound like a student wrote it. That doesn’t mean you have to write perfectly, but your voice and your perspective–even with their flaws–are really what colleges want to see. If an essay sounds generic or too polished, it can actually hurt you. There have been cases where essays raise red flags, which leads to more scrutiny or even potential consequences if a college suspects the work isn't your own.
That said, getting guidance is absolutely fine! Many students work with teachers, counselors, or essay advisors who give feedback, help brainstorm, and point out places to strengthen your writing. The key difference is that you should be the one doing the writing, revising, and reflecting. Think of it like having an editor for a school project: they can show you where you're unclear or tell you which part stands out, but the work and the ideas stay yours.
For example, one student I know wrote about a small but meaningful moment in their life and worked closely with a mentor who helped them clarify their story–not rewrite it. The student’s essay still sounded like them, and it worked out well. On the other hand, I’ve heard of students who turned in essays written mostly by someone else and then struggled to answer related interview questions or supplemental prompts.
If you’re not sure about the line, remember this rule of thumb: it’s perfectly fine for someone to review your essay and give feedback, but the words should be yours. If you want your essay to be stronger, focus on clear storytelling, specific details, and revisions, rather than outsourcing the writing process. Colleges want to hear YOUR story–even if it’s not written the way a pro novelist would.
If you need support, look for editing services or individuals who respect that boundary. They can help polish your work and bring out your best voice, which is really what admissions officers are hoping to find.
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Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years