<p>I know the essay is really important.. but do I really need to be a great writer to get in? Do I need to write like an author?</p>
<p>Well, if you don't have perfect SAT's, then yes, having a great essay would be ideal.</p>
<p>Interestingly enough, I asked an admissions officer this question at a local college presentation (he's a Senior Admissions Officer at Columbia), and he said that the essays were not that important in admissions. He said extracurriculars and letters of rec were very important.</p>
<p>Zachsta, did he talk more about extra curriculars?..</p>
<p>Hm, I think so. I don't remember entirely everything he said...if you have any specific q's I might be able to answer.</p>
<p>I'm probably of little help, though. Most of the stuff he said was straightforward, PR work...the essay info was the only surprising fact I heard all night.</p>
<p>Zachsta, how about the essays? Did he say more about the essays? thanks a lot</p>
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I know the essay is really important.. but do I really need to be a great writer to get in? Do I need to write like an author?
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<p>You don't need to be Shakespeare. If you have a good story, just make sure it's error-free. It's more content than having some great style.</p>
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he said that the essays were not that important in admissions.
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<p>I call BS.</p>
<p>Hmm.. the Columbia application form states that writing style is important as well.. but definitely not as important as the content?</p>
<p>Great style can help, but it's not by any means necessary so long as you write clearly and correctly. Writing clearly and correctly is "writing style."</p>