<p>Im confident of my essays, which contain unique and meaningful experiences of mine, but I have quite normal EC's other than these experiences...
I didn't receive any major award, start non-profit organizations, or do great researches/ internships.<br>
My SAT score is above 2250 and I have good GPA, but I know these are not that very significant compared to unique EC's. </p>
<p>My EC includes tennis team captain, math team president, student ambassador, band, NHS member, etc... but I realized that they are quite "average" compared to other applicants who have so exceptional experiences and talents. </p>
<p>Do you know anyone who wrote really good essays (w/ decent grades and scores) and got in to Stanford without legacy or jaw dropping careers?</p>
<p>I think good essays matter a lot. My senior who got waitlisted then rejected had stellar resume. She is VERY strong in both academics and her EC. She’s like a music genius and was the president of several clubs, House captain…the most incredible thing about her is that she got a total of 393 marks out of the 4 subjects she took for her A level.
According to my counsellor, Stanford sent a letter later and told the school that she was rejected because her essays lack passion but not because of her SAT super score which was only 1990.
My counsellor was extremely shocked because she said that the senior was one of the best students she has ever had.
So, I think essays matter a lot. If you think that your ECs are not strong enough, just focus 100 % on your essys. Do keep your hopes high. We never know what the university really seeks for.</p>