<p>That’s a really helpful article. Thanks.</p>
<p>They help. A LOT. I had a 4.26 GPA, no extracurriculars, and a 1900 something SAT, which is really low for the school I applied to. I got in, and it was very likely because of my essay. The problem is a lot of students write what they think admissions counselors want to see. Just write what you actually feel. It’s really obvious when students aren’t writing the essays themselves or are trying to write what they “should” be writing about. A good essay can only help you.</p>