// January 22nd, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Essay types
Does College Essay Matter?

You might be asking yourself why people make such a big deal about the college essay, and you’re not alone. When everyone is talking about SAT scores, grades, and extracurricular involvement, its hard to imagine that something as vague and subjective as “500 to 700 words on a topic of your choice” could possibly have a significant impact on your chances of admission to college. While there’s no question that hard numbers and extracurricular involvement are large factors in most admissions decisions, there are some qualities that test scores and long lists of achievements simply can’t convey- that’s why the college essay was created.
On the most basic level, the college application essay is a tool by which applicants can convey something meaningful about themselves to the admissions staff. It’s a chance to add another dimension to your application. Ultimately, it’s a chance for you to define yourself, rather than letting the grades, test scores, and achievements define you. Think of it as a bonus, because if you approach the college essay properly, it can be one of the strongest aspects of your application. Remember, it’s harder for most of us, including admissions officers, to dismiss someone that we feel like we know. An application that coveys your personality will be less likely to get tossed into the reject pile with “Minnesota, football jock, 2.8 GPA, 880 SAT I” and “Jane Doe, the clarinet player.” That’s where a strong college essay becomes essential.
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