The goal of the college essay is not to make you produce a literary masterpiece. The goal is to learn more about you. Don’t let the thing that they learn about you be that you cheat! It is better to write an original piece with a few flaws than to plagiarize and write a perfect essay. The college admissions office can get an idea of your writing style from other parts of the application. They also know the difference between an English PhD’s writing and a highs school senior’s writing. Be authentic, because if you are not, then it will not show your true passion.
It is okay to get help from teachers and counselors. In fact, you should to get help from them. However, do not let them change your voice in the essay, and most certainly not your ideas.
