How important is the essay?

Applying to College
1

<p>My DS is not applying to any top tier LAC's, but some in the top 100. One of them is a strong match/safety that he really thinks he can see himself at. </p>

<p>Unfortunately, he seems to think that since his stats make him a very strong candidate (when I spoke to an admissions person and gave his stats, EC's, her comment was that he was "very, very likely to be accepted and it was very likely he would be offered merit aid"), he doesn't have to really focus on the essay.</p>

<p>His common app essay is fine, has his voice, good grammar, etc., but doesn't really "sell" him. Supplement is a "Why xxx" and he talks about why he first became interested, why he liked the visit, etc. I think they're all fine, but not great, and he's certainly not putting a lot of effort into them.</p>

<p>How important will the written portions of his application be?</p>

2

<p>I think when merit money comes into play, writing really solid essays definitely helps. Is the merit money in question guaranteed based purely on scores and GPA? Or is there extra money he can get based on "intangibles?"
I know I'm applying to at least one LAC which gives guaranteed amounts of money based on your rank/GPA/test scores, but there is an additional full-ride scholarship available based on interviews, essays, extracurriculars, and whatnot. And I know I'll have to write my essays really well to have a good shot.</p>

3

<p>I think the merit will be given based on his stats, but I agree, a great essay can only help.</p>

<p>My tip to you? PLEASE don't use "whatnot" in your essay! :)</p>

4

<p>its how they remember you.</p>