I’m applying to Stanford and a couple of other selective schools with mediocre grades and extracurriculars. I’m hoping my essays and recommendations would make up for that and also explain my grades.
But I’m afraid that because my stats aren’t competitive, my essay would be ignored.
You may be right. Maybe don’t apply to those schools. There are probably several other schools where you’re a better match. It’s okay to be ambitious. Use that ambition to get amazing grades, scores and apply to top grad schools.
What are your stats? Others here could perhaps help you find some other schools to apply to.
Unweighted GPA: around 3.5
SAT: 1350/1600
AP Physics: 4
APUSH : 2
I do really well math/science/computer science classes, but history and English is bringing my GPA down. I had jobs during the summer, but they were nothing interesting.
They will probably read your essays, but given your stats, I would find safety schools that match up with your stats.
Any kind of job during the summer is interesting.
Are you a California resident? How much can you afford?
You’re holding out hope whether your essay might save your app due other weak areAs. It won’t. For Stanford, your app review will be very quick Like dusty said, you should be looking at a realistic list of schools. Use the super match tool on the panel of this page. Your GPA and SAT don’t make you realistic for selective schoo
This may sound brutal, but I am sorry to say that I think you are wasting your time. Unless you are hooked, (and even then, it would be extremely unlikely with your stats), there is no chance with your grades and scores. I never say that to anyone. Please do not waste your money and more importantly, your effort. There are other schools that would be better fits for you that would love to have you. You probably work hard and are intelligent.
To answer your original question, they might read your essay and recs, but if they did so, they would want to see explanations that might be in your guidance counselor’s rec, not in anything you might tell them. I am very sorry if there is some reason that your grades aren’t as good as you would like, but there are many students who have hard home lives, illness, etc… Colleges can’t let people in because they feel sorry for them. There are many students who face adversity and still manage to have high grades and scores. A college like Stanford is going to look for those students.
Your grades are not mediocre. I guess they technically are for Stanford, but definitely know that having that GPA and that test score is incredible and you are going to be successful anywhere you go! 
Thanks for the comments. I just want to clarify that I’ve already applied to all my safeties and have the applications for my list of “normal” schools ready.
I just want to work on my reach schools during the break.
@brainscistudent you’re correct but in this context where the OP is specifically asking about Stanford and it’s ilk, your kindly words don’t help.
They’ll read your essay and they’ll almost surely reject you. It’s good you’ve got safeties.
@T26E4 Yes, you’re right. I completely understand that. I guess I should have been clearer.
A strong essay will not make up for subpar academics.