If you ask multiple people to give you feedback about your college essays, you’re likely to get different and potentially conflicting opinions.
A high school student approached me after a speech this week and wanted my opinion about which version of her college essay was the better choice. Her high school counselor liked one, her private counselor likes the other. And as is often the case in these scenarios, the student was confused and frustrated.
Seeking feedback is a smart thing to do. But there’s such a thing as too much advice. The best college essays are not created by committee. So pick a person you trust who knows you, preferably someone with experience like your high school counselor, English teacher or private counselor. And if you insist on soliciting several opinions, promise yourself ahead of time that you’ll ultimately listen to the only opinion that matters—yours.
Sometimes what you really need is less advice, not more.