<p>Just wondering for all Ivies in general...</p>
<p>How much do essays weigh in the whole process?</p>
<p>What about art portfolios, writing samples, etc? How much do they weigh?</p>
<p>Do schools even look at them? </p>
<p>If I have fairly good stats (except on the SAT),
but a brilliant essay, portfolio, writing samples, etc., what will be my chances with focused but decent EC's?</p>
<p>Any comment at all would be appreciated.</p>
<p>OP, amongst my admitted peers I was schocked (in hindsight should
not have been)by the enormous numbers of TASP participants/National
Scholastics/Rand and other writing award winners. All of these people
obviously sent in their essays and got admitted.</p>
<p>Maybe, showcasing their incredible talent via their essays was a key
in gaining their admittance?</p>
<p>You will hear a lot about Harvard’s focus on the arts. I am reasonably
certain I got admitted to Princeton and Stanford on the basis of my
art protfolio. I am also beginning to think the portfolio had a relatively
minor effect at Harvard and that my EC achievements possibly played
a relatively more important role.</p>
<p>Then again I could be wrong :)</p>
<p>Harvard’s president announced a new initiative for the arts at Harvard, this past year. I believe there will be new majors such as drama and visual arts. So, the significance of a portfolio may be greater as a result.</p>
<p>In any case, whether your talent is in writing, acting, music, film, or art, sending a supplement is a good idea. I think it it a good idea not to overwhelm though: don’t send a lot of things for busy admissions to look at or listen to, just a very few that will give a good idea of your talent.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! 
I will definitely send in supplements for art and writing!</p>