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Linden · 06-17-2008, 01:02 PM

I was wondering if anyone out there had any opinions or advice on essay editing services. I am currently working on the 20th draft of my essays, and I am wondering about the value/ethics of using an essay editing service.

Some of my friends and family members tell me that I would be a fool not to use an essay editing service, as they think I should use all the tools at my disposal. They also argue that since I have already written and rewritten my essays that it would not be cheating, that it is no different than having a friend critique my essay. Moreover, they remind me, many other students competing against me will be making use of these services.

I am not comfortable with their arguments. First, I feel that using an essay editing service is cheating, but I cannot find a clear answer to this. (Schools use language that can be fairly described as ambiguous when stating that applicants must turn in only original work. Is it still original work if your best friend proofreads and offers suggestions?) Second, I understand that some of the essay editors are undergraduates at top-ranked universities. Frankly, I am not sure some of them are qualified to critique my essay.

I would love some feedback from others who are soon applying or have recently applied to graduate schools. Are you using/have you used essay editing services? Do you think they are worth the expense?

CalmLogic · 06-17-2008, 01:27 PM

As Nietzsche would say, there is no ethical truth, only interpretations. So, ethics aside:

Your grammar and spelling seems excellent, especially if you are applying to a quantitative field. So I don't think an editing service is going to help much unless they help you change your approach or presentation style, which can be backfire, e.g. they make you look like everyone else. So I don't have an opinion either way, and I have never used such a service. However, I would lean more towards just sending what you have since grammar isn't an issue in your case. Also, if these editing services are really expensive, it may be better, anyway, just to use that money to apply to a couple more schools or to retaking the GRE, etc. After all, the SOP is just one piece of the puzzle.

The Silent Warrior · 06-17-2008, 09:34 PM

i am not clear upto what extent you would like to get help in writing these essays. How would you rate your writing skills compared with other good candidates you know well enough?

I think your personal statement should be written by yourself primarily. However there is no harm in getting feedback or your grammar checked by some people whom you think have got better writing skills than you. I would suggest to take the help of a friend or your faculty member who also knows you well and could give you a sound opinion keeping in mind your personal career goals.

06-17-2008, 01:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
Linden Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 3	Essay Editing Services I was wondering if anyone out there had any opinions or advice on essay editing services. I am currently working on the 20th draft of my essays, and I am wondering about the value/ethics of using an essay editing service. Some of my friends and family members tell me that I would be a fool not to use an essay editing service, as they think I should use all the tools at my disposal. They also argue that since I have already written and rewritten my essays that it would not be cheating, that it is no different than having a friend critique my essay. Moreover, they remind me, many other students competing against me will be making use of these services. I am not comfortable with their arguments. First, I feel that using an essay editing service is cheating, but I cannot find a clear answer to this. (Schools use language that can be fairly described as ambiguous when stating that applicants must turn in only original work. Is it still original work if your best friend proofreads and offers suggestions?) Second, I understand that some of the essay editors are undergraduates at top-ranked universities. Frankly, I am not sure some of them are qualified to critique my essay. I would love some feedback from others who are soon applying or have recently applied to graduate schools. Are you using/have you used essay editing services? Do you think they are worth the expense?

06-17-2008, 01:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
CalmLogic TestMagic Guru Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,351	As Nietzsche would say, there is no ethical truth, only interpretations. So, ethics aside: Your grammar and spelling seems excellent, especially if you are applying to a quantitative field. So I don't think an editing service is going to help much unless they help you change your approach or presentation style, which can be backfire, e.g. they make you look like everyone else. So I don't have an opinion either way, and I have never used such a service. However, I would lean more towards just sending what you have since grammar isn't an issue in your case. Also, if these editing services are really expensive, it may be better, anyway, just to use that money to apply to a couple more schools or to retaking the GRE, etc. After all, the SOP is just one piece of the puzzle. _ _ _ _ SIG _ _ _ _ Admit Profiles, MSCS Admit Chances, CS Internships, TopCoder, Programming Challenges (requires Firefox) Applying to Ph.D. Programs in Computer Science *GRE Computer Science Subject Test:* ETS Booklet (solutions at Yahoo GRECS group), MFT, Titanium Bits, Guide, More Links more CS practice: Stanford Comps GATE CS/IT: GATEForum, Yahoo, Freshers, Q & A, Mock Exams & Solutions, GATEMentor Last edited by CalmLogic : 06-17-2008 at 03:15 PM.

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06-17-2008, 09:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
The Silent Warrior Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 16	i am not clear upto what extent you would like to get help in writing these essays. How would you rate your writing skills compared with other good candidates you know well enough? I think your personal statement should be written by yourself primarily. However there is no harm in getting feedback or your grammar checked by some people whom you think have got better writing skills than you. I would suggest to take the help of a friend or your faculty member who also knows you well and could give you a sound opinion keeping in mind your personal career goals.

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