<p>Like, would writing a kickass essay, great ECs and a high SAT balance out say, a 93 GPA? I know a lot of places are into holistic admissions, but if you write an amazing essay and come off as really cool and unique and intelligent, does that make up for a few points off the GPA, when there might be another qualified kid with a higher average and maybe a more mediocre essay?</p>
<p>@ArachnoMe:</p>
<p>Q1: Do super selective schools really read your essays, etc.?
A1: Yes, every word (presuming one is not “automatically” denied due to an unacceptably low GPA or standardized test score, a system which a few most selective institutions employ). </p>
<p>Q2: Does that make up for a few points off the GPA?"
A2: One or two points possibly (and I’m quite skeptical of even that). However, the fundamental, governing fact for the most distinguished and competitive institutions is “the essentials” – GPA, standardized test results, and curricular rigor – are MANDATORY thresholds. Once an applicant exceeds each of these minimums, essays (etc.) can be important to determine who is admitted and who is not. But first, in almost all cases, the minimums must be surpassed. </p>
<p>@TopTier what about EC’s? Do excellent EC’s can make up for low Score, but GPA is high?</p>
<p>EC’s are not ranked high on the admissions criteria . The school first wants to see if the applicant can handle the academics of college, and then uses the EC’s and essays to determine which of the qualified students will help to make up the desired incoming class - a mix of athletes, volunteers, creative type people, etc. So generally, the EC’s and essays are used to narrow down all of the acceptable students into the final choices.</p>
<p>Apply to a selective school or two, but be sure to apply to some that are less selective as well.</p>
<p>@ajayroxx: ECs are somewhat the same as what was discussed in post #1. However – and this is important – an excellent GPA is THE most important selection criterion. If standardized test results are poor, one can always take the examination(s) again (and, potentially, super-score). To repeat, GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and curricular rigor are the most critical credentials for admission to an elite institution (all the rest – ECs, essays, interview results, etc. – are normally decidedly less significant. Obviously, however, the foregoing information does not consider “hooks,” such as a recruited athlete. </p>
<p>@TopTier What about having patents - 2? will it be of any use? and national awards too.</p>
<p>Sure, patents and national awards would be major PLUSES. </p>