Parents: Don't Touch That College Essay

 

by Kim Lifton

 

There is a fine line between asking someone you trust to review your essay and getting too much help.

The question of how much help is too much is a common dilemma, especially for parents who would do anything to help their children get into the schools of their dreams. We all want our children to succeed, but parents should not heavily edit your application essays, and they most definitely should not write them for you.

 

How can parents be helpful without crossing the line?

 

Offer encouragement. In this case, a parent is more cheerleader than coach. No one knows you better than your mom or dad. They should encourage you to express yourself in your own voice, in your own words. You can really do this; you can do this well.

 

Be realistic. An essay should be well-written, but it should also sound like it was composed by a high school student. Admissions officers can tell the difference between a heartfelt, well-crafted essay and a submission that is so highly-polished it sounds flat or like someone else. Read more.