<p>I've been really stressed out about all of the essays for my applications. I'm not a very strong writer and I really don't feel like my essays capture the reader's attention or convey my personality. I've received various comments that confirm those issues too.</p>
<p>So how significant IS the essay in your application? I have strong grades and test scores and have taken at least 4 advanced classes since freshman year. My extracurriculars aren't amazing and I haven't saved a village in southern Asia, but I've been committed to a couple of activities since freshman year or before.</p>
<p>Will I be rejected because I have a mediocre essay??</p>
<p>Oh and I'm applying to pretty competitive schools (Northwestern, Wash U, USC, Vanderbilt), if that's significant.</p>