<p>On Collegeboard it is under "Considered", whereas the following are considered "Very Important" </p>
<ul>
<li>Rigor of secondary school record
<ul>
<li>Standardized Test Scores</li>
<li>Academic GPA</li>
</ul></li>
</ul>
<p>What gives? Does this mean you can get in with a bad essay?</p>
<p>I know last year you didn't even have to write an essay to get in. It was just part of the supplemental which was optional.</p>
<p>i believe that the essay is ONLY used for Honors College placement. </p>
<p>Chris can verify that</p>
<p>Well if you applied via the Common App didnt you have to have an essay?</p>
<p>The essay is part of the required supplement this year, common app or SUNY app.</p>
<p>No, a bad essay is not likely to hurt you... and on the flip side, a dynamic essay isn't going to override an awful high school record. The biggest pieces of your application are those three things listed in the OP.</p>
<p>Chris</p>
<p>Thanks a lot Chris!</p>