How important are all those essay questions?

I’m taking about the many questions you have to answer on the app and the lists such as top ten and the book list? Do you think a great job on those questions can give you an edge if all the other factors are good?

In holistic, each and every part matters. Great supp essays can’t overcome an otherwise weak candidate. They can seal the deal on a great candidate. In between, it depends. The real question though is: does the student know what a great answer is?