What are your chances of acceptance?
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)

Are essays a major factor in college admissions decisions?

Hello peeps, I've been hearing a lot about how crucial essays are for the college app. Is that really true? How much do essays actually impact the admission decision, especially at top schools?

11 months ago

Yes, essays are a significant component of the college admissions process, especially at top-tier schools. Think of your essay as an opportunity to speak directly to the admissions committee. It's your chance to convey who you are beyond grades and test scores. While academic performance and standardized test scores form a big part of the application, the essay can be the deciding factor between two similarly qualified candidates. It's here where you can showcase your personality, explain circumstances that might not be evident from the rest of your application, and demonstrate your writing skills. For example, many admissions counselors recall essays that moved them either because of the compelling stories or the authenticity of the student's voice. In a pool of academically excellent applicants, a standout essay can tip the scales in your favor. Make sure your essays are well-crafted, proofread, and above all, authentically represent you.

11 months ago

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