8:27 pm on November 5, 2009 |
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Tags: essay college application sad
I got a bit of a mean response to my essay. It hurt my feelings a little bit… ):
I can understand things like constructive criticism, but I think saying someone sounds like a “basket case” kind of crosses the line… don’t you think? ):
Ugh, just ignore the mean people.
Or rather, ignore the name-calling – saying that you sound like a “basket case” can be construed as constructive. Maybe your essay is so out of the box that it makes you sound like a crazy person – check over it to make sure that you’re not pushing the limits a little too much.
By the way, I LOVE AIR, SOOOO SAD I CAN’T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I CRIED THAT MUCH OVER AN ANIME.
Just take from it what you might be able to improve. Still I don’t think it is appropriate to name call. My essay got a comment that the person wanted to hear “more about me” even though I noted that it could only be 300 words. Just remember that ANYONE can evaluate your essay. It isn’t like it is an English teacher.
That’s so true. I got comments back from people, & one person said they didn’t get to know me. I don’t think getting to KNOW me is really relevant to my topic, but I think they meant I should’ve put more personality into it? I’m pretty boring I guess. Ha.
But that was just something for me to consider… I had this ONE person who I think seriously held a grudge over my essay. Like, they were personally offended. It’s probably the same person!
I have reviewed a lot of essays and few of them were truly stellar. A common problem, especially from elite students, is the compulsion to use an essay to show off. My view is that your transcript demonstrates your academic giftedness, but the essay can reflect your character. That’s what needs to shine through and rarely does. I would never call someone a basket case, but the last one I reviewed made the writer sound like an elitist snob. I would be remiss not strongly cautioning the student about how it came across. I appreciate that it is hard for the writer to always have perspective on the “tone”. If the essay is important enough to solicit feedback, I have to respect that importance enough not to sugarcoat my critique.
chronology 11:33 am on November 11, 2009 Permalink | Reply
I agree with this. The freedom of being anonymous as a reviewer is that I am free from the normal requirement of offering a compliment sandwich around every reply. I can offer sober, direct suggestions.
To be sure, being rude for the sake of being rude is not helpful, but I am also sure that the feedback that I give will be more useful to you since I won’t waste your time with niceties.
Sodapopp 8:50 pm on November 5, 2009 Permalink |
Ugh, just ignore the mean people.
Or rather, ignore the name-calling – saying that you sound like a “basket case” can be construed as constructive. Maybe your essay is so out of the box that it makes you sound like a crazy person – check over it to make sure that you’re not pushing the limits a little too much.
By the way, I LOVE AIR, SOOOO SAD I CAN’T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I CRIED THAT MUCH OVER AN ANIME.
prologue 8:57 pm on November 5, 2009 Permalink |
You’re right… probably.
But still, I would have said it a little differently… ):
Ah, I like it too, though. Misuzu is so cute with her little dinosaurs… ^///^
magikeys 7:25 am on November 10, 2009 Permalink |
Just take from it what you might be able to improve. Still I don’t think it is appropriate to name call. My essay got a comment that the person wanted to hear “more about me” even though I noted that it could only be 300 words. Just remember that ANYONE can evaluate your essay. It isn’t like it is an English teacher.
Lauren 8:41 am on November 11, 2009 Permalink |
That’s so true. I got comments back from people, & one person said they didn’t get to know me. I don’t think getting to KNOW me is really relevant to my topic, but I think they meant I should’ve put more personality into it? I’m pretty boring I guess. Ha.
But that was just something for me to consider… I had this ONE person who I think seriously held a grudge over my essay. Like, they were personally offended. It’s probably the same person!
Ghern 10:41 am on November 11, 2009 Permalink |
I have reviewed a lot of essays and few of them were truly stellar. A common problem, especially from elite students, is the compulsion to use an essay to show off. My view is that your transcript demonstrates your academic giftedness, but the essay can reflect your character. That’s what needs to shine through and rarely does. I would never call someone a basket case, but the last one I reviewed made the writer sound like an elitist snob. I would be remiss not strongly cautioning the student about how it came across. I appreciate that it is hard for the writer to always have perspective on the “tone”. If the essay is important enough to solicit feedback, I have to respect that importance enough not to sugarcoat my critique.
chronology 11:33 am on November 11, 2009 Permalink |
I agree with this. The freedom of being anonymous as a reviewer is that I am free from the normal requirement of offering a compliment sandwich around every reply. I can offer sober, direct suggestions.
To be sure, being rude for the sake of being rude is not helpful, but I am also sure that the feedback that I give will be more useful to you since I won’t waste your time with niceties.