How important are essays in an application?

College Essays
1

<p>Essays are definitely my strong point. I've won several awards for essays I've written, and I've got several ideas brewing around in my head for admissions essay topics that should help me stand out.</p>

<p>That being said, my GPA is less than stellar. (something like 3.4 UW, 3.8 W) My SAT scores are alright (2080, but I plan on retaking) and my ECs are pretty good. I have a few hooks that should certainly help out as well. Unfortunately, some of the schools I'm applying to are very selective - especially for out of state students.</p>

<p>How much can a well-written, creative essay really help out with admissions? Can it cancel out the effects of a less-than-stellar GPA? (UVA and Duke are two of the main schools I'm looking at, so if you have any specific information regarding those two, that'd be great.)</p>

2

<p>Essays can’t “cancel out” a low GPA / SAT Scores, but they can certainly help, and a lot. Essays are can make or break an application, but that said, they cannot excuse low academic performance (not that yours’ is low) unless they are written about a hook of some sorts. But yes, essays can make the adcoms like you and get to know you as a person. Just my opinion, does that help a little?</p>