<p>I know 'good' is subjective but still, I wonder....</p>
<p>If not, would the essay be enough you get into the most selective colleges if your academics are only average based on the attendees at that university?</p>
<p>If you're looking at places like Yale, Stanford, the transcript is the most important meaning grades and rigor of classes. If you don't take any tough courses and don't get great grades, then I don't think a phenomenal essay can get you in (phenomenal activities can but I mean out-of-this-world phenomenal). I think if you have average SAT scores (around 2000) a phenomenal essay can.</p>
<p>^ I think colleges over-emphasize how much they values grades/curriculum. If you think about what adcoms are really doing, they are trying to find the people that will be most succesful in the future. I don't think whether Ms. K gave them an A in ninth-grade Math will be as meaningful as an SAT score or essay.</p>
<p>An example: an un-hooked, white-male friend of mine got into Columbia Engineering with a near perfect SAT score (1600/1600, 2300+), great recs because he's brilliant, what I assume were very good essays, and a slacker's 3.3 GPA.</p>
<p>So how about a 3.993 GPA and a less than outstanding SAT score of 2260 but also what I believe to be extremely exceptional essays and recs?</p>
<p>In the end, colleges know that some teachers will be easier and some harder(my 93/100 in Chemistry was , and some people just aren't good test takers. Not to forget that almost everyone will have something like Spanish Club on their activities list. The essay is the only way in which you convey a unique expression to the college.</p>
<p>In the end, colleges know that some teachers will be easier and some harder(my 93/100 in Chemistry was HARD FOUGHT, the teacher was quite challenging and we were using a difficult college textbook in a HS class) , and some people just aren't good test takers. Not to forget that almost everyone will have something like Spanish Club on their activities list(everyone will always have that long list of extra curriculars). The essay is the only way in which you convey a unique expression to the college, it makes up for all those things that are lacking, and colleges won't judge you based on a # all the time.</p>
<p>Do you have the credentials to be making that statement?</p>
<p>Colleges know for sure that not every Chemistry class is the same, that's fact, so that's what Standardized Testing is for. Then they'll understand that some people may not be good test takers. Nevertheless, grades are still important because you can always work very hard to get that 4.00. I don't have "proof" but it definitely makes sense if you think about it. On paper, everyone can be the same. Now sure your leadership positions and involvement in summer activities may be different, but the essay really deals with you talking to the college people about why you should get in and what makes you unique, that's really the only thing that can't be the same as anyone else.</p>
<p>I agree with RahoulVA. College admission counselors examine the ENTIRE applicant...not just his/her stats.</p>
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<p>From what you're saying, these slice-of-life essays that adcoms like Dave Berry boast of aren't all that impressive as they don't deal with why you should get in.</p>