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Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Can My College Essay Impact My SAT Scores?

I've been super stressed about my SAT score and how it will play into my college applications. This might be a silly question, but does the quality of my college essay have any effect on how admissions view my SAT score?

9 months ago

Absolutely not a silly question at all! The quality of your college essay and your SAT scores are considered separately in the admissions process. Your SAT score is a standardized measure of your academic ability, while your college essay offers insight into your personality, experiences, and potential contributions to the college community. They complement each other but serve different purposes.

A strong essay won't change your SAT score, but it can make your overall application more compelling. If your score is below the average for your target schools, an outstanding essay might help offset that to an extent. However, if the school has a minimum SAT score requirement or a high Academic Index cutoff, the essay wouldn't be able to compensate for scores that fall below that threshold.

Remember, both are important, but they showcase different aspects of your candidacy. Focus on presenting the best version of yourself in your essay, and let your SAT score speak to your academic preparedness. Good luck!

9 months ago

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