How much weight do essays really have?

College Essays
1

In my school, I’m an above average student. I’m ranked 4th in my class, and I make all A’s. However, I’ve only taken 3 AP classes (this is my senior year) and have made a few B’s in some of my math classes. I don’t do many extracurriculars either. My strength is English and writing, and I just found out that I made a 36 in the new writing section of the September 2015 ACT (34 for my ELA average).

My parents both went to Ivy League schools, and want me to get in to one too. I want to go to a good school too, but maybe not an Ivy. My grades and accomplishments aren’t great compared to top students’, I go to an average school, and I still haven’t really decided what degree I want to pursue. Can a great college essay make up for that, or not? Thanks.

2

A bad essay can turn a yes into a no. A good essay won’t likely turn a no into a yes, but if there are a lot if applicants with similar stats, the essay can break the tie. Most schools have some bar set for grades and scores. If you don’t meet that bar, the essay likely won’t matter

3

It all depends on the school. But usually, they want to make sure you are academically qualified for the school.

After that, usually your extra currics, and essays are what set you apart.

The essays is the best way for them to get to know you, they don’t want to admit only those with good grades and score. Otherwise they’d just say anyone above X GPA and X test score is in. There is a reason they have you do certain things on the application, they matter!