Which strategy aligns with ethical preparation of college essays?

• A. Hire an external writer to craft the essay.
• B. Encourage authentic reflection, avoid plagiarism, provide structured brainstorming, give feedback on voice and clarity, and have the student write and revise in their own words.
• C. Copy a model essay from another student.
• D. Focus only on awards and achievements, ignoring voice.

Answer: (B)

Ethical college essay preparation centers on authenticity and integrity: the student should reflect honestly, avoid plagiarism, and own the writing process. The best approach encourages authentic reflection, ensures the student writes in their own words, and includes guided brainstorming and feedback that helps shape voice and clarity without diluting the student’s true perspective. This keeps the admissions essay a genuine representation of who the student is, highlighting growth, values, and personality through clear and sincere expression. Writing and revising by the student themselves reinforces learning, builds confidence, and preserves trust in the application.

Choosing to hire someone else to write, or copying someone else’s essay, undermines integrity and presents a voice that isn’t the student’s. Focusing only on awards and achievements without cultivating personal voice also fails to reveal the real applicant, which admissions committees are looking to understand.