<p>so, i have good grades in semi-rigorous courses (concentration on history, not taking science this year, and im in a fairly low level math) at very rigorous high school) high SATs (800 cr, 760 math) except for the writing section 700, and an above average SAT II (800 us history), and average one (700 lit), and a below average one (670 bio). i have a 5 (us history) and a 4 (english comp) on APs, and I was wondering, how much do essays really matter? in my essays i talked about my passion for history, and my supplementary essay i talked about how i tutored a ghanaian immigrant in u.s. history for his citizenship test. i want to get across that im a relatively intellectual guy and that i have a concentrated passion in history. do you think that this could possibly make up for my average grades, or will the admissions people see those and immediately disregard my app. i have 3 recs from history teachers, and my interview on campus went very well. im of the caucasion race. im also a legacy, though my mother (the legacy) doesnt give inordinate sums of money. ive had a couple of jobs, and play 2 sports (NOT RECRUITED ATHLETE) and music and model congress. my ecs for yale are average probably. i honestly think that its gonna come down to how the adcom sees my essays. thanks for any input</p>
<p>I don't mean to be offensive, but unless you're a creative and captivating writer, the essay topics seem too "dry."</p>
<p>i see what your saying, its a good point. do you think that the fact that theyre straightforward is a problem. my guidance counselor liked them, and i dont think theyre dry per se. maybe the topic, but not the actual essays. your not being offensive, any input is helpful</p>
<p>IMO, the essay is the definitive part of the application. The adcoms must get really tired of reading the same stats over and over, and this is the only time you can make yourself stand out. So if you wrote a really good essay, it would make up for mediocrity elsewhere. Of course, I'm just an applicant myself.</p>
<p>i understand, but, like you just said, the adcoms get tired of reading the same stats over and over. i think that in the general pool, im a little below average in that department. can the essays make up for that. thanks for posting</p>
<p>your essays actually sound interesting, to me. would you mind letting me read them?</p>
<p>boooooreeeeng</p>
<p>yeah that would be great. it wont make any difference now that i applyed EA, but hey. how would i do that</p>
<p>you private message it</p>
<p>yeah, i'd like to read them too.</p>
<p>me to if u dont mind...iv already applied scea as well</p>
<p>IMO, outstanding recs and essays really can make or break your application.</p>
<p>By the way, according to PR, the interview is only "considered" in Yale admissions. I've heard someone else say their interviewer said it isn't that significant too.</p>
<p>yea, not everyone gets interviews, so it might be a little unfair that some kids get a boost because of a good interview, while others who didn't get an interview get neither a boost nor a punishment. I guess it's kindof along the same lines of reasoning as why APs aren't weighted so heavily, because not everyone has access to them.</p>