Hello! I’m an international early-decision-applicant to Hamilton. I wanted to know how much does the essay really matter in the admissions process at Hamilton, a school known for its excellent writing program? And can the essay cover up for not-so-great SAT score?
I think the essay is really an opportunity for the admissions reps to get to know you personally. Grades and test scores are important, but your essay tells them who you are, not just how smart you are.
The essay is very important, but if it is “out of the blue,” its impact will be limited. You must have some substanting factors – good grades in English or a recommendation from an English teacher, as examples – for the essay to be trusted as a genuine indication of your capabilities. If this is the case, though, a truly excellent essay could approach strictly numerical factors such as standardized test scores in importance. Good luck.
sp: substantiating.
@merc81 I presumed that most colleges don’t read the essay if the application standard isn’t up to their mark.
@collegepappy Well IMHO, most colleges do read the essay even if the application credential is sub par. There may be stories that need to be told, and the applicant is just a number without them. And colleges, Hamilton not an exception, look for person, not number.
@merc81 @Ihtanh98 Oh btw, is Hamilton really trying to create a more diverse student body? Do you think coming from a very outlandish cultural background (as demonstrated in the college essay) and being an underrepresented nationality, or having also faced through natural disasters (like the hurricane Katrina) or emotional calamity (like 9/11) give you any sort of a hook in the admissions process?
@collegepappy Hamilton really is trying. IMHO, the background and the underrepresented status may give you some kind of hook, yet what is more important is the person you are today. You can show how your background and you hardship (in this case, natural disaster and emotional calamity) shape the person you are. That is what schools are looking for, not just a number on paper say we have X% of student from race Y.
@collegepappy: You (as well as others on this thread) may be interested in reading, “College Essays That Stand Out From the Crowd” / The New York Times. A successful Hamilton essay, as well the reasons for its success, is discussed. In this case, the element of diversity appreciated by the admissions committee is almost entirely intellectual.