<p>So does anyone know how heavily Rice weighs the essay? I'm asking because I did Interim Decision... and I sent in my common app essay that was... well-written, but not too exciting. So if a student has solid academic record, and solid background in ec's... would the essay have the ability to keep him out?</p>
<p>Man... kind of a nervous post I know... but I really regret not spending more time on this app whenever I hear people talking about the Texas Medical Center, and I realize how much I'd love to be a pre-med student here.</p>
<p>who knows? the reception of your essay and its weight could depend on the day, the hour, the mood of the adcom, and so on. essays have the ability to keep you out anywhere. there's no easy answer, and there prob isn't an answer that will help you except for consolation.</p>
<p>I understand. I submitted my common app essay too. I thought it was good enough, but apparently, now that Ive given it to more ppl to read, it's not. The essay, however, is pretty important. As most colleges have said, besides the numbers and awards and factual stuff, the essay's the only thing that will show them you..your personality, talents, characteristics, etc. Bummer. Hope that helps!</p>
<p>Most of the time, the essay is the factor that turns someone with great stats and great ecs from admit to reject. Simply because if you can't convey yourself in writing, how else is the adcom supposed to get to know you? I've heard of lots of people with perfect everything get rejected...why? after reading their essays, i'd say it was because of this. Your essay to rice, just like to any other top college, needs to be stellar, not just well-written.</p>
<p>yep just as apollo and ccbouncer said... essays are what make or break you :/</p>
<p>yep i wish i spent more time on my rice essay(and other essays) too. now that i got EVEN more ppl to read it, its not as good as i thot it was. but its too late! i already submitted before i got the suggestions! :P</p>
<p>the essay is a very poignant part of the admission process. it is unfortunate that you were negligent on its composition. i was recently accepted into rice in the early decision program. I worked very hard on my essay and had all the stats. but here is an interesting fact. the number one person in my school got rejected! thats right...rejected because her essay was sloppy. she told me she did a bad job on it....so i dont know. i wish you luck but thats the only way they can get to know you, they are not interested in all stats. they see that everyday. as a result they give u the essay and the box, so that you can shine dude....get your shine on!</p>
<p>I would too, just because I'm a follower. Stupid peer pressure!</p>
<p>Anyway, I also applied interim with an essay that wasn't bad by any means, but could have been better. If I'm deferred, can I send in a different essay to replace the old one?</p>