My parents say my essay stinks but I like it. What do you parents think?

Parent Cafe
1

<p>It’s certainly not polished yet, but i don’t really think it’s that bad. Actually, I like it. It is sort of personal, and in a very different tone than most essays. It’s about riding my bike back at midnight from the lab I did an internship during the summer in Maine. My parents think it’s sort of rambling and unfocused, but maybe it’s because they grew up in China. They say it reminds them of Holden Caulfield, which I take as a compliment, but they don’t.</p>

<p>Could you guys read it give your opinion?</p>

2

<p>I’d be happy to read it. I’m a freelance editor and work at a college writing center. PM me.</p>

3

<p>LOL. I loath Holden Caufield, what a whiner! But I have to admit you have me intrigued. I’ll read it if you like. Just PM me.</p>

4

<p>As someone who served on a scholarship committee for many years, I much prefer a personal essay than the safe “why I want to go to college” that your parents are probably expecting. The essay is your only chance for the committee to know <em>who</em> you are - don’t waste it. That said, it was still hard to let my own son send in his very quirky, revealing essay – but it served him well.</p>

5

<p>My son also did a personal essay about a particular experience. His AP Eng teacher said it was great, and I (former writer) thought it was good too–especially the personal aspect.</p>

<p>For what it’s worth–he did connect an individual experience with ‘larger lessons learned’ (but not extensively–just a brief mention).</p>

<p>Maybe that would ‘ground’ your essay a little–if you connected a specific experience with larger life themes in some way? Just a suggestion without having read it…!</p>