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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 a strong essay make up for lower grades or test scores?

Hey guys! I'm a junior and I'm worried that my grades and test scores aren't as strong as I'd like them to be. However, I'm a pretty good writer and I think my essay could be really strong. Can a great essay make up for lower grades or test scores? Any advice would be great. Thanks in advance!

a year ago

Hi there! It's great that you have confidence in your writing abilities, as a strong essay can definitely make a difference in your application. While it's true that grades and test scores play a significant role in college admissions, your essay is an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and what makes you unique. In some cases, a compelling essay might help to compensate for lower grades or test scores to some extent. However, it's important to remember that every college evaluates applications differently and there are no guarantees. My suggestion would be to focus on crafting the best essay you can, but also try to improve your grades and test scores if possible. Additionally, consider looking into colleges that have a more holistic approach to admissions, as they may be more likely to appreciate the full range of your talents. Keep working hard and stay positive – you have a lot to offer! Best of luck with your college applications!

a year ago

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