<p>How important are personal statements? </p>
<p>Like can they make up for a lack of ECS? or a low SAT score/ low GPA?</p>
<p>The personal statement is very important because this is the only place in the application in which you have full control. It also gives you the opportunity to separate yourself from other applicants and show an aspect of yourself that cannot be found in transcripts and test scores. However, rarely do personal statements make up for low test scores/grades and ECs. You still need to have the full package.</p>