<p>lol, let's say I somehow manage to write and publish a novel between now and like next january when college apps are due.</p>
<p>how big of a factor would it be in getting me into the top schools like hyp?</p>
<p>btw, while i definitely lack the skills to do this, one of my friends with near perfect grades and scores is apparently working on a story. he's even met up with an agent from what i've heard. so i'm just curious how much this will affect his admissions.</p>
<p>What a lot of people dont realize is that it is not impressive to pubilsh a book or novel, unless tied to a particular passion developed over years. Admission officers are not impressed by just the fact that someone pubished a novel. Anyone can self publish, and many affluent applicants even know publishers who they can pay to publish them.
Admission officers are not fooled by those who have not had a strong interest in writing either, who happen to publish a book just before a application is due.
Admission officers are impressed however when someone who for example has a passion for the civil war, and has been studying and researching for several years, and started and belongs to a civil war club, writes a historical fiction or non fiction novel that is published and circulated in the mainstream.
Similarly, someone who has been writing for years and entering creative writing contests and short stories, and has had their stories published throughout high school, and then takes the next step of writing a novel. That would be interesting.</p>
<p>Can be an interesting EC or thing to talk/write about, but not a hook.</p>
<p>If it's not a vanity publication i.e. if you are paid to have your book published, it could be a tip factor i.e. something a school considers when deciding between equally viable candidates.</p>