I’ve read a lot on here about how brilliant essays can significantly boost your chances of admission, but I’m worried about how well my essays may reflect me. Even though I, like many other high school seniors, spent a ton of effort crafting heartfelt essays and and short question answers, I do not think my essays were the best. Stanford in particular, it seems, carefully reviews applicants’ essays when considering the pool for admission. I applied for early action, so my application is already out of my hands, but how much would mediocre essays affect my admission chances? Sorry if this is a bit too vague, this is my first time posting. I will update with any needed information. Thank you!
Especially for these top schools, where the majority of applicants are qualified in terms of academics, essays are the pivotal component that distinguishes your application. They definitely carry significant weight.
My daughter was accepted REA last year. She definitely has a passion that was all over her application. When we met the Regional Admission Officer at one of the Accepted Students Receptions, she instantly spoke about my daughter’s common app essay. She said that when she read it in committee, one of the Admission Officers cried and it was a unanimous vote. Wow. That essay was it.
It all matters at tippy tops, every piece.
Despite accolades for an essay or CC saying it’s pivotal, any misstep in your app can affect your shot. A brilliant essay won’t overcome poor stats, low rigor, or rote ECs. (Not that they’re looking for “brilliant,” btw. OP, you have an idea what they do look for, not just what random others claim, right?)
And rather than “passion,” it’s direction, choices, and the ways in which you followed through on the interests you claim.
My kid (ORM) accepted as a REA despite having GPA and test scores not impressive by HYPSM standards, but had interesting, strong (but not out of this world) ECs. One comment regarding “brilliant” essays. Write essays that are personal and moving that together convey forcefully who you are. English is not even my kid’s native language so it was not easy for him to write smoothly flowing sentences. Also, my kid talked about in one essay how initially he did not have any passion for any field but gradually through his conscious seeking out and involvement in both school and outside activities, he developed a liking for certain areas of learning. I did not think my kid’s essays were brilliant but showed who he really was so that whether he got in or not, I felt his application captured him. He didn’t win any big award or competition either. We already knew his essays would either make or break his application, so I critiqued his essays while keeping his voice intact. We stayed away from any college essays consultants because I felt they would tamper with his “voice” and try to make his essays too brilliant sounding. No one reviewed my kid’s essays except my kid and me. Not even my wife. An overriding focus was in making sure that essays captured him the way he was and not tampering with his voice. His essays were not the product of an inspired one night attempt.
Really sound advice.