The IU app is supposed to go live on August 1st. Requirements ask for transcripts, test scores, and supplemental essay why Kelley? How important is the essay if GPA is 4.35 and SAT is 2250? Will the essay really matter. Can a fairly generic essay do, or must one be crafted really focusing on the specifics of kelley. Are the numbers strong enough to carry the auto admit, or will they really look at essay? please advise. Kelley is a top backup to my ED choice. Opinions?
They’ll probably look at the essay, but I doubt they will care too much about it. As long as you don’t sound like you are illiterate or something, you’ll be fine. I’ve never heard of anyone with stats anywhere near as good as yours get rejected. Last year the application essay was only like 250 words, and I wrote it in probably 20 minutes. After you get accepted, you will most likely be invited to complete the Selective Scholarship Application, and those essays probably do matter for getting scholarships
If it is a top backup why would you want to do less than your best? There are other things you can also apply for or earn if you really think you are a top applicant. In addition to direct admit to Kelley there are also the Selective Scholarships (i.e. merit scholarships) mentioned above and the Wells Scholar program. Kelley also has an ACE program which is a direct admit to Kelley Honors.
While those latter three opportunities are all elective add-on processes or invitations, if you decide to pursue any of those latter options you will want to put your best foot forward and they may see your indifferent foot on the main app as they deliberate if you did not do your best there.
The competition for the latter three is pretty high and I think the stats you mention are common for those pools, so do your best on every piece if it’s one of your top backups.
@2plus2ition All of those programs you mentioned require separate essays/applications. It is important to try your best in the SSA and the ACE program application, but your admission essay to get into IU only matters for getting in.
thanks for these answers. Many thoughtful points. Thought the next essay round for scholarship is important. Not saying the essay is not good, it is just not overly kelley specific. Didn’t research specific professors, or go on about a specific program. Spoke of leadership, how overcome family economic issue, and what was gained from the two to drive me to want to go to kelley. just didn’t offer tons of school specific stuff…I think it is good for this round. will get more serious with scholarship essays. thanks