The Aftermath of Your College Application Essay: What Happens After Acceptance
After you are accepted into college, your application essay typically becomes part of your official application file. While the essay may continue to be used for internal review processes, its role in the college's decision-making process typically diminishes. However, sharing your essay with another individual can have significant repercussions, potentially violating academic integrity policies and affecting the chances of their admission.
Colleges and the Role of Your Essay Post-Acceptance
Once accepted, your essay usually serves as one of many factors considered in the holistic admission process. The college may continue to review it internally, but its impact on your final acceptance status is likely minimal. However, the essay can still play a role in post-acceptance decisions, such as scholarships or specialized programs.
Colleges may choose to store your essay in their databases for reference. This stored data can be compared to new essays during future application cycles to ensure originality and prevent plagiarism. By maintaining this data, colleges aim to foster a culture of academic integrity among students.
Sharing Your Essay: Considerations and Risks
While it is common for students to seek feedback from peers, teachers, or mentors, it is crucial to be mindful of how your essay is used. Sharing your essay can pose several risks:
Originality and Authenticity
Colleges highly value original work. If your essay is shared and another student uses your content for their application, it can be seen as a violation of academic integrity policies. If discovered, this can lead to severe consequences, including the rescinding of an offer of admission.
Plagiarism Detection
Many colleges use plagiarism detection software to ensure application materials are original. A widely shared or published essay could flag issues if another student uses it without proper attribution. This can taint the perception of your integrity and affect your chances of admission.
Consequences of Sharing Your Essay
Sharing your essay can significantly impact both you and the person you share it with:
Impact on You
As the original author, you have a responsibility to maintain the integrity of your work. By sharing your essay, you are opening yourself up to potential consequences. If academic integrity policies are violated, it can harm your academic and professional reputation.
Impact on the Reader
The person you share your essay with faces similar risks. If their admission is jeopardized by using your essay, it can affect their future educational and career prospects. Furthermore, the assessment of their application may be perceived as unoriginal and unremarkable.
Conclusion
While sharing your essay for feedback is generally acceptable, it is essential to handle it with care. The potential risks of plagiarism, academic integrity violations, and the impact on the quality of their application make it a risky endeavor. Staying true to your original work ensures that your application stands out and maintains the integrity of your educational journey.