<p>I, like many other people, once had dreams of attending top schools such as Stanford and UPENN. However, with my abysmal gpa and horrible sat scores (3.5uw and 2010) I know they are super reaches. So I have decided to try applying anyways just for the heck of it, so I won't have any regrets or anything. And I was just wondering how much the essays weigh, that is, could you be below the gpa and sat averages and with a superb essay still get in? Or is it just the icing on the cake, and if you don't have high gpa and high test scores you have no chance? I'm asking this because I hear from alot of people that at the top schools, they place alot more emphasis on the essays because the students applying are so homogenized with straight 4.0s and 2400s. I know but it's wi****l thinking, but is it possible that someone who doesn't have good gpa or sat scores but writes a well written insightful essay can get in at an elite school?</p>
<p>I honestly doubt it.. but go for it if you don't want any regrets</p>
<p>I say go for it! My D is in the same position. However, I do not believe that reiterating how wonderful you are in an essay is the key. I think your essay should convey how wonderful you will be to OTHERS, and the powerful impact you can have through kindness and consideration of others. That seems to be something lacking in some of the students who get super high SATS AND 4.3 gpas. That would impress me, anyway, if I were an admission counselor and was seeing nothing but perfect scores on standardized tests. SHow that you have a heart and will make a positivie impact on others, and I bet you'll get in.</p>
<p>I think it is possible.
And don't forget that those upper level schools love to reject 1600/4.0 kids for the sake of saying that they do.</p>