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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 a strong essay make up for lower test scores?

Hi everyone! I'm a high school junior, and I'm a bit stressed about my standardized test scores. If I write a strong essay, can it make up for lower test scores? How much of an impact does the essay have on my overall application? Thanks for any help you can provide!

a year ago

Hey there! I completely understand the stress you're going through, as my child went through the same process not too long ago. While it's true that standardized test scores are an important part of your application, a strong essay can help balance out lower test scores. The essay gives you a chance to showcase your personality, character, and unique experiences that may not be evident in other parts of your application. Admissions officers look at the whole package, not just one aspect, so if your essay is truly compelling, it can make a difference. However, it's essential to continue working on improving your test scores, as they are still a significant factor in the admissions process. Keep in mind that some colleges and universities are test-optional or test-flexible, so you may want to consider applying to those schools as well. Best of luck with your applications!

a year ago

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