<p>Could amazing application essays get an average student into a top school?</p>
<p>Ehhh. I’d definitely say they help, but if your academic record is genuinely average (I’m thinking 3.3 GPA or something, so do elaborate on your definition of ‘average’), it’d still be dicey. Top schools’ admissions tend to be crapshoots for even the best applicants, with an unfortunate amount of luck involved in decisions. </p>
<p>Short answer: it certainly can’t hurt.</p>
<p>OK thanks. And yes average as in 3.45 unweighted and weighted 4.09, and in the 4th decile of my class.</p>
<p>I think it’s more like top schools need another way to differentiate otherwise outstanding students. Since lots of people (all of whom have great academic and extracurricular credentials) apply for a few spots, a “bad” essay could be a reason to WL/reject.</p>
<p>Then again, if a well-written essay outlines extenuating circumstances that explain lackluster grades, that might be another story.</p>
<p>Not top as in Ivy League or the tier below it top, in my opinion. But it should definitely help in admissions.</p>