kenf1234

I'm willing to read people's essays if they'd like for the next day or so. I promise to look at it and give some constructive advice. I'm not going to proofread carefully or do line-editing. I probably won't tell you your essay is good because it probably isn't. I won't share your essay with anyone, I graduated long ago and don't even know anyone applying to college this year. PM them to me, if you'd like. No warranties, no guarantees (except confidentiality).

kenf1234

I will look at more if people want to send tonight.

kenf1234

I'm still willing to look at more. A few pointers:

1. Don't put other people down. Don't put down where you come from. Don't put down anything. No one wants to read that stuff. Trust me.

2. Don't talk in generalities. Talk in specifics. Specifics about YOURSELF. Not your drive and determination and work ethic, but what you've done, what you hope to do.

3. Get to the point quickly. People have a tendency to put a long digression at the beginning as a sort of intro. 9 times out of 10 that's a mistake. Start from the beginning with what you want to say, don't try the reader's patience from the get-go.

4. It's OK to talk about difficult family circumstances, but it shouldn't be the main focus of your essay. Mention it is necessary, but focus on what you've done and plan to do.

5. Keep it short. Follow whatever length guidelines you've been given. Don't ramble on. Editing to keep it short is an important discipline that will help the quality of your essay tremendously.

kenf1234

OK, this is my final round of reading. Send them if you want them read. If you've already sent me something, and want to send me again, I will look again. Warning: I will give you constructive advice but it may not be what you want to hear.