<p>I already submitted my application, but I reread my response for the "why this college" section and OH DEAR LORD IT WAS UTTER CRAP. I really believe I messed up cause I could have spent more time on it, but I would just like to know if it plays a big part in my admission/rejection or if it's more like an extra boost.</p>
<p>Essays for the most part don’t do much. For the borderline applicant it will give him the nod for admissions. Also essays can hurt you, but that’s rare…you really have to mess up.</p>
<p>wasn’t the why you want to go here part of the common app? i didn’t see it in my supplement</p>
<p>For schools like Harvard where they get a ton of “junk” applicants who apply merely because of its name and recognition, I’d imagine this essay helps set those apart from people who actually have a passion for the university or one of its features.</p>