Do Essays Play A Big Role in College Admissions?

 

Have you ever wondered how admissions teams decide which application to accept and which to reject?

After 30 years of experience and in consultation with many Deans of Admissions, the easiest way for me to explain it is this:

Think of a balance beam scale.  On one side are the grades, SAT scores, awards, honors and achievements.  Everyone has those.

On the other side is the essay.  It should tip the scale.  It's that important.

But what is supposed to go in that essay?  Activities, Achievements, Awards and Honors?  Nope.

Admissions teams want to know who you are and how you've dealt with your imperfections, flaws and oddities.  And they do not want to hear that these things were once a problem when you were nine but are now conquered. They want to hear about you in the present tense.  How are you dealing with these things now? 

In fact, if you try to look perfect, it's a red flag and may be enough to slide you application into the "other" pile.

So stop and think.  How can you show your character through a very vivid story?  That's the best place to start.

Get more tips from the free college admissions essay checklist by clicking here.

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