How important is the essay...really that is..

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey,</p>

<p>I am starting this thread because I feel like there are those students with mediocre or sub-par stats that you have heard of and perhaps a small hook, and yet they write a phenomenal essay that exhibits the qualities that a university wants----and ultimately get in to a top college (top 20 university). That is, colleges want the student who fits the mold of the school. I feel like, through the essay, that student demonstrates his purpose for the school. I especially bring up this point because there are some posts on CC of top universities including Ivies that follows a common pattern:</p>

<p>"I cannot believe I got in with my stats. Trust me, it was all the essay. Just show your passion and you can get in"</p>

<p>I made up the above but I suppose I give you a generic representation of what these students are saying. So my question is, can an essay mean so much to get you accepted to a really top college where stats and SATs are not the only important factors?</p>

2

<p>I can't answer your question because I don't know, but if colleges are going to let essays dictate so much of the admissions process, they better figure out a way to administer proctored essays because if great essays are what the colleges want, then great essays are what the colleges will get--even if the kids didn't actually write them themselves.</p>

3

<p>essays play a huge role in mainly ivy leagues where many people have 4.0 GPAs and well over 2000 SAT scores. therefore, the colleges resolve to essays</p>