<p>i would say very much so.</p>
<p>i’m assuming the applicants are going to be roughly in the same ballpark test-wise and grade-wise. you’re going to need something to make you stand out, like writing an unbelievable, original, quirky, zany, etc essay, ie pandering to their taste. you’re writing to catch their attention (something i didn’t do), creating a hook.</p>
<p>and luck simply means something that is out of your control. the admissions process is a completely subjective process, i’m sure no one will argue with that. maybe you’ll get lucky and the person reading your app happens to be in a good mood. maybe not.</p>