It’s like pinewood derby cars. Every year there will be a family who didn’t know any better and shows up with a car the kid really made all by himself. He gets smoked, of course.

I imagine the same thing with essays, some (most?) people know how important they are and get lots of of outside feedback before submitting them, but many equally qualified candidates won’t realize that and do it in their own. Maybe quickly.

IOW, there is a huge advantage to someone who has access to adults with better advice on how to apply for college.