What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
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)

How much do college essays matter?

Hi all, I'm a junior and I've started thinking about my college essays. I've heard some people say that essays can make or break your application, but is that really true? How important are they in the overall admissions process? I'm feeling a bit anxious about this.

a year ago

Hey there! I can understand why you might be feeling anxious about your college essays, but don't worry too much. While it's true that essays can play a significant role in the admissions process, they're just one part of your overall application. Admissions officers look at a variety of factors, like your GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and more. Essays give you a chance to showcase your personality and share your voice in a way that grades and test scores can't. They can definitely help you stand out from other applicants, especially if you have a compelling story to tell or a unique perspective. However, a less-than-perfect essay won't necessarily ruin your chances of getting into a good school. Just try to be genuine, thoughtful, and well-organized in your writing, and don't be afraid to ask for help from teachers or friends if you need it. Good luck with your essays, and remember: this is just one step in the exciting journey of your college application process!

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.