Which Colleges Place the Most Emphasis on Essays?

Hey fam, so I've been working really hard on my writing and I'm kinda proud of it. Are there colleges that value essays more than others during the application review process? Any input is appreciated, thanks.

Good on you for improving your writing skills! That's a valuable asset not just for college apps but for your academic journey as a whole. In response to your question, most colleges will place a substantial emphasis on the personal essay as it's one of the only parts of the application where they can hear directly from you, the applicant. That said, colleges with a holistic review process typically place a significant weight on the essays.

A few colleges known for putting a strong emphasis on essays include the University of Chicago, Brown University, and Stanford University. The University of Chicago is famous for its unconventional and creative prompts, which demands students to think outside the box and showcase their creative writing skills. Similarly, Stanford has famous short-answer questions that give the Admissions Committee insights into an applicant's personality and values.

Also, liberal arts colleges like Amherst, Williams, and Swarthmore are known for placing a high importance on essays as they allow for a deeper understanding of an applicant's personality, intellectual capacity, and depth of thought, which aligns with their pedagogical approach.

Of course, essays are just one part of the application. It's equally important to ensure that the rest of your application – including grades, test scores (if applicable), recommendations, and activities – is robust and well-rounded. But if you have a knack for writing, be sure to leverage those skills in your essays! Good luck with your college applications!