Essay question

[dradams]

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I've heard, especially for nontraditional students, that the admissions essays can play a crucial role in acceptance. I would like some feedback from people about their essay writing strategies and whether anyone has used any of the essay editing companies out there and if it is worth using one.

Thanks.

 

[jlee9531]

Originally posted by dradams
I've heard, especially for nontraditional students, that the admissions essays can play a crucial role in acceptance. I would like some feedback from people about their essay writing strategies and whether anyone has used any of the essay editing companies out there and if it is worth using one.

Thanks.

no i didnt use any essay companies. the responses are generally short enough on the secondaries that you dont have to go write a full blown out essay.

but just be clear with what you are trying to say.
eliminate simple errors.
make sure it flows well. read it over when you are done and if you don't like the way it sounds then make some adjustments.
and dont stray.

i wouldnt ever use an essay service just because i dont think they can improve my essay content wise. but if i were to i wouldnt use it on secondary essay but instead the personal statement. but since it seems like you are past that. just keep it clear and effective.

 

[dradams]

sorry, my mistake. I have not applied yet. I will be next year. I guess I was asking about personal statement as well as secondary essays.

 

[DriNDT]

Jlee,

I watched that episode last night... "beep, Bob Kelso..." that show cracks me up.. ha ha. Of course, you gotta follow "Scrubs" with the drama of "ER"!! It really was riveting last night! Sorry to take a tangent, dradams.

 

[dradams]

Anyone ever use one of the essay editting companies?

 

[spaz]

i used kaplan for my personal statement. they helped to sharpen and focus my essay. mostly i think i just needed someone who didn't know me to read it so i don't know if it was really worth the $300. it might be worth it if you're starting out i guess. i didn't have them look at my statement til i was on my 5th draft.

 

[NRAI2001]

Originally posted by dradams
Anyone ever use one of the essay editting companies?

I think you mentioned that you are a HS teacher and a adjunct professor at a university. Maybe you could get one of the English teachers to look at your essay. I know when I was applying to undergrad universities my English teacher helped me tremendously.

 

[dradams]

That's a great idea. I hadn't really thought of that. Of course, that means that I would have to let my coworkers know that I was applying to med school and planning on leaving my job.

 

[NRAI2001]

Originally posted by dradams
That's a great idea. I hadn't really thought of that. Of course, that means that I would have to let my coworkers know that I was applying to med school and planning on leaving my job.

I don't think that would think of you any less just bc you decided to go to med school. If anything I think that they would respect you more for following your dreams.

 

[Paws]

Ix-nay on the peer review thing. I understand you might want to keep you job until you get into a school.

Yes, definitely try one of the services. I think SDN's essay edge is only about 100 bucks for an objective review. Spend as much as you feel comfortable 'losing' if the advice stinks (which it probably won't).

Don't forget us peeps here on SDN who will be happy to critique it for free. I think we do the best job.

 

[dradams]

OK, I may use you guys when the time comes. Yeah, I think I would not use a coworker because I would like to make sure I have a job until I actually go to med school.