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 important are essays in the college application process?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior in high school and I'm starting to think about college essays. How important are they in the college application process? Do they really make or break an application? I'm a little stressed about this, so any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

11 months ago

Hi there! It's great that you're already thinking about college essays as a junior. Essays are indeed an important part of the college application process. While it's true that they're not the sole determining factor for admissions, they do play a significant role in helping the admissions officers understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores. A well-written essay can definitely strengthen your overall application and increase your chances of getting into your desired college. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Start early: Give yourself ample time to brainstorm, write, and revise your essay. This will help you avoid feeling rushed and will allow you to produce a higher-quality piece.

2. Be genuine: Write about something that truly matters to you and reflects your unique experiences and perspective. Don't try to mold your essay to what you think the admissions officers want to read.

3. Show, don't tell: Use vivid details and examples to illustrate your points, rather than simply stating them. This will make your essay more engaging and memorable.

4. Edit and proofread: Make sure you revise your essay multiple times to catch any errors or awkward phrasing. It might be helpful to have a trusted teacher or friend review your essay as well. Remember, the key is to stay authentic and let your personality shine through your writing. Good luck!

11 months 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.