<p>I've seen the common data set for MIT and it says the essays are "considered." What does this mean exactly, as opposed to "important"? Also it says personal qualities is "very important." Aren't essays one of the main ways to show personal qualities? If so, I'm having trouble interpreting "considered."</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>yeah i was never sure about this... because apparently, racial/ethnic status, and geographic residence is also "considered" and interview is "important"</p>
<p>Probably (from what I can tell), the most important thing for MIT is the characteristics and personaility of it's applicants. Everyone who applies to MIT is highly qualified; in the end it comes down to MIT choosing the personality and match that best fits the school.</p>
<p>The essays for MIT, in terms of a writing evaluation, are not so important. Sure, you don't want to have an essay sprinkled with gramatic errors and choppy/run on sentences, but writing a composition of impeccable quality of something that Mark Twain is not what the essays are for (of course, if you're a great writer, power to you!). Rather, the essays are really meant for the reader to hear the voice of the applicant. In many ways, the essays are your main one chance to convey your personality and characteristics to MIT. </p>
<p>Since personality is one of the most major factors for admission, the essays are important. This, of course, doesn't mean you should worry! Remember, the goal of an essay is to tell something about yourself that they can't make out from the application. Take your time to consider and ponder what you want to say. Don't forget that it's not a writing test, but a chance to speak directly to the read and present your honest self. If you do that, you've done all that you can.</p>