Not sure if doing the essay would help me at all for scholarship considerations.
It’s not one of the primary factors for consideration but it might be a secondary factor. Is this the diversity essay? (that’s what it was last year). Why not complete it if you have something to say?
You should do optional essays no matter what.
@JBStillFlying yes it is and the thing is idk what to say
@intparent how come?
The student who shows more enthusiasm and goes the extra mile usually gets the nod in admissions when it is close. And in grades (do the extra credit work in your classes, too).
@intparent My stats are above the 75th percentile though so I’m fairly confident that I’ll get in. Just not sure if it helps with merit scholarships. However, I’ll probably end up doing it anyway since some colleges might have similar prompts
That’s a good idea, @jukepuke. BTW, what are your uw gpa, your class rank and your ACT/SAT?
Anything that you can do that might set you apart is worth your time. If the scholarship is $500 and it takes you an hour to write an essay, that’s a pretty decent hourly rate!
@JBStillFlying UW GPA is ~3.95, class rank is top 2%, 35 ACT
With those stats scholarship potential is excellent at UMN. You might not have to worry about the essay but write something anyway as that way you can rest at night knowing you did everything you could to help your chances.
What admitting college are you applying to? (you specify a first and 2nd choice). The most competitive are science and engineering, bio, and business. Liberal arts is the largest.
Your stats are good enough for honors program consideration (though it’s super hard to get that through CSE. Might not need it though as those courses are rigorous as is).
BTW they are starting to release results now so try to get your app. in ASAP so you are in first batch for merit notification.
Are you NMSF, by any chance? They give out good money for that.
@JBStillFlying 1st choice is MechE and I don’t have a 2nd choice. I’m not planning on doing the honors program and no NMSF. And yeah, I hope to turn in my app by Tuesday at the latest
@JBStillFlying Actually, I might just submit my app today lol