Hi CC,
Is it true that having a strong personal statement and supplemental essay can help you if you have scores below the middle 50%? I understand that academic qualifications are priority (and understandably so). I am applying to Duke RD, and I’m worried that my 1280 SAT makes it pointless for me to apply. I spoke with a friend who attends Duke, and she said that since I participate in ECs that are really important to me and have a demonstrated passion for psychology/neuroscience, that may help me a lot.
Note that I understand my SAT is low for Duke. I have tried to re-take the test but to no avail (either my score differed by 10 points or barely changed). So, at this point, it’s the essays that are the most important for me. I am also an IB student and have a 4.51 GP so that helps as well.
Should I just spend the rest of my time perfecting my essays?
Both essays and teacher recommendations are very important. You’ve got nothing to lose by applying, but do so with realistic expectations and make sure that you have some safeties and some matches.
Thank you for your help! Yeah, I don’t expect to get in. I’ve been accepted into 3 schools already, so I think I’ll be okay if I don’t get in. 
Essays can make a difference, yes. They’re not quite a magic wand but they can nudge a student from the maybe to the accept pile on occasion. A lackluster essay certainly can “damn” a student in the sense that someone with a “meh” application and a “meh” essay gives admissions no reason to accept them. So I recommend investing in the essay and making it as dazzling as possible.
Thank you. I figured that was their role. They aren’t a factor that can magically accept you into a college (I wish that were true) but they are extremely important because they demonstrate your writing skills and how much you worked on your application.
Your test score is going to hurt you, for sure. If you are hooked, you might have some hope, but find reasons to be excited about the schools you are already accepted to. Good luck.
At a college night panel of adcoms that I attended, the consensus was that a great essay is not going to turn a no into a yes. But if you are in the big pile of kids who have the right stats, then a good essay can really help. They also commented that they get a lot of bad essays, a lot of good essays, but few truly outstanding essays
@Lindagaf @wisteria100 Thank you. Yeah, I figured that my score would definitely hurt me. Thank you guys for the perspective! I’m going to apply (why not?) but I have some other great choices as well.