i was browsing through the “chance me” thread and it seems that many parents were using the SAT/ACT/GPA as an immediate cut off for whatever college/uni that people wanted to apply to. Therefore this brings the question : do college essays even really matter?
because assuming that a college accepts a
30-34 ACT
3.70 - 3.9 GPA
and i have a 30 ACT
and a 3.75 GPA
but people are already immediately saying that i won’t get in solely because of my test scores, do the essays make a difference at all ?
A huge difference. At many top colleges SAT/ACTs and grades are used to sort applicants into pools – clearly qualified, maybe qualified and clearly rejected. If you are in the middle pool, the essays and extracurriculars will be crucial as they will determine whether you bring something unique that they look for. If your 30 ACT is at the bottom of their range, the essay may be the thing that puts you through. Look through the accepted threads for top colleges and you will often see people accepted who don’t quite measure up. Sports, legacies and essays are the difference.
It really depends. Can a super essay make a difference? In what context? If you’re talking HYPS – where there’s a surfeit of super-essay writers among the 3.9 and 4.0 GPA applicants who also have +2200 SATs — well, you’ll come up short.
If you’re talking about the context of a less competitive applicant pool, it might distinguish you. But these are only generalities. Is your story that unique? Which of us can say?
But for the very selective schools, your essay and LORs will mean a lot if you have any chance. But also know that hitting the “submit” button, you should already know that chances are dim for everyone.
Given the parameters you’ve discussed – you’re on the low end and thus, the odds are stacked even more against you. So? Go forth with open eyes and realistic expectations and don’t worry about what others say.
Absolutely. Essays are the only way a college can learn something about you that isn’t a statistic or possibly made-up extracurricular. The essay allows them to meet the person applying. A bad essay can doom you, a good essay can help you. Don’t underestimate its importance, but bear in mind that it can’t perform miracles. If you don’t have the right grades and test scores to start with the essay can’t make up for that, but it can give you an advantage above another kid with similar grades and test scores.
Don’t freak out about writing the perfect essay. Your essay should reflect who you are as a person. My D is an excellent writer, she wrote a very personal, simple essay about a personality trait that some might consider a disadvantage. I told her I thought it was a little too simple, but she strongly felt it reflects who she is and wouldn’t change it. I agree with her on that, and we will see how well she does with her other acceptances next month, but she has already been accepted to two colleges.
IMO a great essay will not get your into a school you are not academically qualified for, but it can help to set you apart from other equally qualified candidates.