NACAC appears to promote custom essay writing aka students hire someone else to write their essays

June 20, 10:00 PMLA College Bound ExaminerEllen Richards

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The National Association for College Admission Counseling posted an article on their website promoting the use of an online essay writing service.  The article, written by Alan Fogg, asserts that any kind of essay, ranging from term papers to college admission essays, could be customized for students.  He espouses the positive aspects of using such a service, such as having time to spend with friends, writing a paper that will be appreciated by teachers, or just removing the stress writing an essay.
 
It seems shocking that the NACAC would allow what, in essence, is simply an advertisement for a morally corrupt service that encourages students to pay someone to write their college admissions and academic essays for them.  It contradicts the NACAC’s "Principles of Good Practice" and certainly sends the wrong message to students. 

Hiring someone to write a student's essay for him.her immoral and unfair to others. Hiring another person to write the college application essay does a great disservice to both the student and the college admission officials.  The college admission essay serves as a crucial part of the application process – it allows the schools to understand students on a more personal level; personal details can be conveyed by the applicant better than anyone else.  Further, personal characteristics are not reflected in a student’s transcripts, test scores or resumes.  Having someone else write these essays, no matter how “customized,” reflects nothing about the student - except their willingness to take the easy way out. 
 
Those that support this kind of site may argue that they are providing a service to students, but the truth is they are doing them an incredible disservice.  Yes, writing an essay can be difficult and stressful, but students will benefit by learning to work through challenges and to take pride in their work.  

For more info: visit www.EllenEd.com, www.SecretAdmissions.com or www.nacacnet.org