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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)

How crucial are essays in the college application process?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior starting to prep for my college applications, and I'm kinda curious about how much weight essays carry in the decision-making process. Does a stellar essay have the power to tip the scales in my favor if my grades and test scores are just average?

10 months ago

Essays can indeed play a pivotal role in your college application, especially if your academic credentials are around the average range for the schools to which you are applying. For many competitive colleges, where the bulk of applicants have strong grades and test scores, the essay is your chance to stand out. It allows the admissions committee to see beyond your numbers and get a glimpse of your personality, values, and potential contributions to their campus community.

A compelling essay that tells an authentic story can make a significant impact. Remember, anecdotes that might seem mundane to you can sometimes best illuminate your character. So, while your grades and test scores are important components of your application, don't underestimate the power of a well-crafted essay to add depth to your profile.

Start early, write several drafts, and seek feedback to ensure your essay is clear, engaging, and proofread. Good luck with your application process!

10 months ago

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