The Ethics and Consequences of Parents Writing College Essays

There seems to be a growing trend of parents actively assisting their children with college admissions essays. While some might view this as a supportive gesture, many concerns arise regarding the ethics and long-term consequences of such involvement. In this article, we will delve into the issues surrounding parental assistance in writing college essays and the importance of fostering self-reliance among students.

Why Parents Don't Write Essays is Ethical and Necessary

It is important to underline that assisting a child in writing an essay is not inherently unethical. In fact, parents and guardians play a crucial role in preparing their children for adult life. By the time a student reaches college age, they have been exposed to a variety of educational resources, including parental guidance, which can help them develop essential skills such as writing.

However, there is a significant difference between guiding and teaching a child and writing their essays for them. This level of involvement crosses the line into ethical concerns and can hinder the child's growth in multiple ways.

Academic Dishonesty and the Importance of Honesty

Plagiarism is a fundamental issue in academic integrity. When a parent writes their child’s college admission essay, it undermines the credibility of the educational process. It not only deprives the institution of the true expression of the applicant's thoughts and abilities but also fails to prepare the student for the rigors of higher education.

Admissions committees value honesty and authenticity in every part of the application process. If detected, cases of parental writing can result in severe consequences, including disqualification from the application, academic sanctions, or even permanent damage to the student's reputation.

Preparation for Adulthood

One of the primary roles of parents is to prepare their children for adulthood. By the time students reach college age, they should have been taught how to write independently. These skills are essential not only for college but also for their future careers. Writing essays is a chance for students to express their thoughts, develop their arguments, and showcase their critical thinking skills.

When parents write the essay, they fail to give the student this opportunity. Instead of teaching them how to solve their problems, parents continue to solve them for their children. This can have long-term detrimental effects on the student's ability to handle challenges independently in college and beyond.

The Risks of Overdependence

Overreliance on parents for every challenge can be detrimental in various ways. It can lead to a sense of entitlement, where children expect constant help and support, thereby stunting their personal growth and self-reliance. Without these skills, students may struggle to cope with the demands of college and future professional environments.

Moreover, staying dependent on parents can lead to a depersonalization of learning. Teaching children to depend on others for their academic work can affect their intrinsic motivation to learn and grow. It replaces genuine effort and independent research with a reliance on external help, suppressing their potential for self-improvement.

The Impact on Academic Performance and Equity

Another critical issue with parents writing college essays is the potential for academic disparity. Students who are not given the opportunity to write their own essays may fall behind academically compared to those who do. They may miss out on crucial learning experiences that are integral to the college admissions process.

Parents who write essays for their children may also hinder their child's academic performance. These students may lack the practice necessary to organize their thoughts, adhere to specific writing guidelines, and manage their time effectively. This could lead to difficulties in other academic areas and impact their overall educational experience.

Guidance vs. Over-Involvement

It is not the goal to completely discourage parental support in the college application process. Parents can and should offer advice and support to their children. However, it is crucial that they encourage their children to take the initiative and do the work themselves. Guidance can be valuable, but it should be a supportive hand rather than a spare arm that completes the task.

Parents can help by:

Guiding their child in research and idea development Offering feedback and suggestions on their writing Teaching time management and organization skills Encouraging a mindset of independence and self-sufficiency

By empowering their children to handle tasks independently, parents can foster a sense of responsibility and self-reliance that will benefit them in college and beyond.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is never wrong for parents to offer guidance and support during the college application process, it is crucial to distinguish between helpful advice and doing the work for the child. By allowing children to write their own essays, parents can help foster self-reliance, academic growth, and long-term success in college and professional life.