Should I consider a job editing college application essays?

I'm a high school junior with strong writing skills. Is getting a job editing college application essays a good idea for some extra cash? How do I find legit opportunities, and would this experience be helpful for my own college application process?

From the perspectives of legalities and ethics, I’d strongly caution against working as a paid editor for college application essays. Many schools take a strong stance against paid editing and writing services for college admission essays. This includes work that’s meant to 'edit' the essay but ends up being much more than just grammar and syntax checks. Here comes the ethical dilemma -- the objective of the essay is to see the applicant's own abilities, thoughts, and experiences. If someone else is significantly shaping or polishing it, it can unfairly advantage students who can afford paid services.

But if you're working in a volunteer capacity, like a mentor or a tutor helping low-income or disadvantaged students with their college applications, that can be a different scenario. This kind of community service experience does get recognized by college admissions for the leadership and initiative it demonstrates.

If you’re looking to put your writing skills to good use, consider exploring other opportunities such as starting a blog, working for your school newspaper, or entering writing contests. These experiences will allow you to hone your writing abilities, which will be useful when you write your own college essays, and they'll also make great additions to your college applications.

For finding legit opportunities for paid gigs that are ethically above-board, consider local businesses, non-profit organizations, or online platforms looking for copywriters or content creators. Developing a portfolio of high-quality, authentic written work in these contexts can be immensely valuable.

Remember to always put forth your own ideas and work in your application. While seeking a peer review or guidance from a counselor or teacher is perfectly acceptable, the final writeup should authentically represent you. Good luck exploring your writing talents!