Should I Post My Common App Essay Elsewhere? (And Other College Essay Dilemmas)
Let’s face it, college applications are a minefield of stress, anxiety, and existential questions. “Should I post my Common App essay elsewhere?” is just one of the many anxieties that plague aspiring students.
The short answer is: It’s generally not a great idea to post your Common App essay online, especially on public platforms.
But hold on, let’s dissect this like a frog in high school biology class (sorry, frog).
Why You Should Think Twice Before Posting Your Common App Essay
- The “Self-Plagiarism” Scare: Think about it this way: you wouldn’t submit the same essay for two different English classes, would you? While colleges might be a bit more lenient than your high school English teacher, they still want to see original work.
- The “Google-able” Dilemma: The internet has a long memory, and your college essay might not be the best thing you want associated with your future career prospects. Imagine a future employer Googling your name and finding an essay that doesn’t exactly paint you in the best light.
- The “Uniqueness” Factor: Colleges want to see a glimpse into your personality, your aspirations, and your unique voice. Sharing your essay online risks diluting that uniqueness. It’s like wearing a trendy outfit to a party and seeing someone else in the exact same one – awkward, right?
When You Might Consider Sharing Your Essay
Okay, let’s be realistic: there are a few scenarios where sharing your Common App essay might be acceptable:
- Private Forums: If you’re in a private online forum or community specifically for college applications, sharing your essay with peers for feedback is generally fine. Just be sure to respect everyone’s privacy and avoid posting anything sensitive or personal.
- Proofreading/Editing Services: If you’re using a trusted proofreading or editing service, sharing your essay with them is necessary for them to do their job. Just make sure you’re using a reputable service and not some shady online operation.
- Personal Website/Blog (With Caution): If you have a personal website or blog, you might be able to share your Common App essay, but tread carefully. Make sure the content is appropriate for a public audience and that you’re comfortable with people potentially seeing it.
College Essays: A Journey of Self-Discovery (And Maybe a Bit of Stress)
The Common App essay is your chance to showcase your personality, your experiences, and your potential. It’s a chance to tell your story and connect with the admissions committee on a deeper level.
Think of it as a conversation, not a monologue. You want to grab their attention, spark their curiosity, and make them want to learn more about you.
Here are some tips to make your Common App essay stand out:
- Be authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Write about something that genuinely resonates with you.
- Show, don’t tell: Use vivid language and anecdotes to bring your story to life.
- Edit, edit, edit: Get feedback from trusted friends, family, or teachers.
- Proofread carefully: Typos and grammatical errors can make a bad impression.
The Bottom Line:
Think before you post. Your Common App essay is a valuable asset, and you want to make sure it’s presented in the best possible light.
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