Help Please!

ShopGirL2142 · 07-09-2005, 02:25 PM

Okay applications are out. And whether it is the Vandy app or the Common App, they want to see a personal essay or personal statement. For my english class last year, we were required to write a personal statement in preparation for our applications, and we were also graded on it. I thought the personal statement I wrote was good, because it creatively described exactly who I am. But I was in Barnes and Nobles the other day looking at an admissions book, and I saw an essay very similar to the personal statement I wrote. I really want to use the personal statement I wrote, but I don't want to be rejected by colleges for plagarizing. I'm assuming adcoms have read most of the "How to Write an Essay" books. What should I do?
Thanks,
Son

MatthewM04 · 07-09-2005, 03:24 PM

If you didn't plagiarize when you first wrote your essay, you should be fine. It's good and it's yours, so I say use it.

ShopGirL2142 · 07-09-2005, 03:43 PM

Ohh thanks, I really want to use it, and I would have a hard time writing another essay to be just as good. Not that I can't be creative, but I think I accomplished want I wanted to the first time. Any more opinions?

ecnerwalc3321 · 07-09-2005, 04:52 PM

you should be fine. of course, you can always make the essay you will use better now that you aren't under pressure to turn it in soon.

ShopGirL2142 · 07-09-2005, 05:00 PM

Alright, yay, thank you. Yes, I can improve some stuff.