<p>So just a question about Huntsman/Wharton. I know that they say if they reject you from Huntsman, they will consider you for Wharton. I am wondering when they do this, do they completely ignore your Huntsman essay? Because it seems like if you get rejected from Huntsman, but your Huntsman essay is really good, it might tip the application in your favor in the Wharton decision. Conversely could it also negatively impact your Wharton application if you didn't write such a good essay?</p>
<p>Just wanted some opinions on this, thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t be worried about/bank on your essays. Essays are like bandages; they can cover up minor bruises and cuts on your resume or transcript but they can’t bring the dead back to life. Schools have a tendancy to say they put a good deal of weight into essays but my guess is that this is a calculated political answer designed to make the school look more wholistic. Take Harvards program for example, they have one optional essay over whatever you want to write about. Since the prompt is so open you really can’t use the essay as a standard by which to compare students (you’d be comparing apples to oranges) but saying that you can write about whatever you want gives off the appearance of caring about students as people instead of just stats on apps</p>
<p>I would disagree. I think there’s a level and a line where the student must cross academically, scorewise, and in extra curriculars to be even considered. After a student has crossed that line, the college starts to heavily look at which extracurriculars and the personality of the student. This is where, I believe that the essay shines. I agree that if you’re resume stinks then no matter how spectacular the essay, you will not get in, but I still feel that it’s an important factor in the decision process.</p>