The college application process is a pivotal moment in a high school student's life. Among its various components, the personal essay stands out as an opportunity to showcase individuality, aspirations, and writing prowess. While teachers and professional counselors provide valuable feedback, there's another resource often untapped: college students. Your older friends who have recently navigated the admissions landscape can offer unique insights.
Why Seek Feedback from College Students?
Recent Experience with the Application Process: College students have recently gone through the same process you're embarking on. They understand the nuances of crafting a compelling essay that resonates with admissions committees. Their firsthand experience means they're familiar with current trends and expectations.
Peer Perspective: Unlike adults who may focus heavily on grammar and structure, college students can provide a peer perspective. They can assess whether your essay genuinely reflects your voice and if it would appeal to someone in your age group.
Insider Knowledge: If your friend attends a college you're applying to, they might offer insights into what that specific institution values. They can guide you on tailoring your essay to align with the school's culture and priorities.
Choosing the Right Person
Not every college student will be the ideal reviewer for your essay. Here are factors to consider when selecting who to ask:
- Academic Alignment: Consider students who are pursuing a similar field of study or have strong writing skills. For instance, an English major might provide more in-depth feedback on writing style, while someone in your intended major can assess content relevance.
- Relationship and Trust: Choose someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Your essay is a personal reflection, and sharing it requires vulnerability. A close friend or a trusted mentor is more likely to provide honest and constructive feedback.
- Experience and Success: If possible, select someone who had success with their college applications. Their understanding of what worked for them can offer valuable guidance for your own essays.
- Availability and Willingness: Ensure the person has the time and willingness to help. College students have busy schedules, so it's important to confirm they can commit to reviewing your essay thoroughly.
How to Approach Them with the Request
Once you've identified the right person, approaching them thoughtfully is key to receiving their help. Be respectful and polite when making your request. Explain why you're asking them specifically and acknowledge that you understand they have other commitments. For example:
"Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well! I'm working on my college application essays and was wondering if you'd be willing to review them. Your recent experience with applications and your success in getting into [College] would make your feedback incredibly valuable to me."
Clearly communicate your needs by letting them know what kind of feedback you're seeking. Do you want general impressions, suggestions on content, or detailed edits on grammar and style? For instance:
"I'm particularly interested in your thoughts on whether my essay effectively conveys my passion for environmental science and if it feels authentic to my voice."
Offer flexibility by acknowledging their schedule and providing options for timing. For example:
"I understand you're busy with classes, so if you have time in the next couple of weeks, that would be fantastic. Please let me know what works best for you."
Provide necessary materials once they agree, including the essay prompt, any guidelines, and the latest draft of your essay. Express gratitude for their time and willingness to help:
"Thank you so much for considering this. Your help means a lot to me!"
Should You Offer Payment?
Deciding whether to offer payment depends on several factors. Consider the nature of your relationship; if the person is a close friend or family member, payment may not be necessary or could even be inappropriate, as they might be happy to help out of goodwill. Evaluate the time and effort required; if you're asking for extensive feedback or multiple rounds of revisions, offering compensation acknowledges the time they're investing. If the student has professional experience in tutoring or essay editing, it's appropriate to discuss payment.
Approach the topic by being open and upfront:
"I really value your time and expertise. I'd be happy to compensate you for your help. Please let me know your rates or if there's a way I can return the favor."
If payment isn't feasible, consider alternatives like treating them to a meal, offering assistance in return, or sending a thoughtful thank-you note.
Incorporating Their Feedback
Receiving feedback is only beneficial if you know how to apply it effectively. Stay open-minded and be receptive to their suggestions, even if it means making significant changes to your essay. Remember, their goal is to help you improve. Evaluate the feedback by considering each piece of advice carefully. Does it enhance your essay? Does it align with your voice and the message you want to convey?
Maintain your voice while incorporating their suggestions. Ensure that the essay remains true to your personal experiences. Admissions officers want to hear your story, not someone else's interpretation. If you're unsure about any suggestions, don't hesitate to ask for further explanation:
"You mentioned that the introduction could be stronger. Could you elaborate on what parts felt weak or how I might make it more engaging?"
Implement changes thoughtfully, incorporating feedback in a way that feels authentic. It's not necessary to accept every suggestion, but be sure to address any recurring themes or major concerns. After making changes, proofread the essay to ensure coherence and flow. Consider having another person review it to catch any new errors.
Additional Tips for Success
Respect their time by being mindful of deadlines and giving them ample time to review your essay. Avoid last-minute requests. Limit the number of reviewers to a few trusted individuals to maintain clarity in your revisions, as too many opinions can be overwhelming.
Express gratitude again after they've provided feedback. Thank them sincerely and let them know how their input helped improve your essay:
"Thank you so much for your insightful feedback. Your suggestions really helped me clarify my thoughts and strengthen my essay. I appreciate your time and support."
Keep them updated on the outcome of your applications if comfortable; they'll likely be excited to hear about your successes.
Why This Approach Benefits You
Seeking feedback from college students provides real-world insights that adults might not think of, including current campus culture and what resonates with today's admissions committees. It builds confidence, as receiving positive feedback from someone who has successfully navigated the process can boost your self-assurance. This collaboration can strengthen your relationship with the college student, potentially leading to ongoing mentorship. Combining their feedback with your efforts results in a more polished and compelling essay.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Receiving criticism can be challenging, especially on something as personal as your essay. Remember that constructive criticism is aimed at helping you improve. Differences in opinion may arise; it's okay to have a dialogue about it and decide what feels right for your essay. While feedback is valuable, avoid becoming overly reliant on others; ensure the essay remains your own work.
Conclusion
Asking a college student to review your essays can be a strategic move in crafting a standout college application. Their recent experience, peer perspective, and potential insider knowledge offer unique advantages. By carefully selecting the right person, approaching them respectfully, considering compensation appropriately, and thoughtfully incorporating their feedback, you can enhance the quality of your essay while maintaining your authentic voice.
Remember, the goal is to create an essay that reflects who you are and what you bring to the college community. Utilizing the insights of someone who has successfully walked this path can provide the guidance you need to present your best self to admissions committees.
At Admyssion, we're committed to supporting you through every step of the college application process. For more tips and personalized guidance, explore our blog or connect with our team. Your journey to college is unique, and we're here to help you make it a success.
