<p>So im kinda new to this whole forum thing, but im starting to freak about my essays. I think they are ok, but am not sure how well they match with my 97 percentile ssats, and straight As. Particulary with exeters handwriting requirement. I have dysgraphia, although its doesn't inhibit the structure of my writing. I just have terrible handwriting/spelling, and i can't write in full cursive. I try, but it is more of half cursive/ half print. How much do essays really count?</p>
<p>They count a lot. But don’t worry about the handwriting part. It’s the quality of the writing that counts. They use it to know more about you. It’s their only gateway into how you think and feel about different things. Tests and recommendations can only say so much.</p>
<p>Essays matter a lot. They distinguish u appart from the horde of all the other 90+ percentile applicants.</p>
<p>If you have been clinically diagnosed, I would suggest to make it clear somewhere in your application and include doctor’s opinion. Then print your essays from computer and try to handwrite it on the exeter form (to show that you have tried.) I think they will understand. Good luck.</p>
<p>My son’s handwritten essay for Exeter looked like it was written by a suicidal five year old crack addict and it didn’t hurt him. Lovely image, eh? Seriously. Don’t fret.</p>
<p>Just make sure your essay is the best you can make it, in terms of quality</p>