FAQs
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99.99% of the time, the application is all a school has to evaluate a student. As they read thousands of essays per cycle, counselors look for particular elements to learn the most about a student. Story and structure are just two assessed metrics- being a good writer isn’t enough!
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Almost every academic essay asks for at least three pages with sources… this ain’t that.
This is 300-650 words meant to grab the admission counselor by the shirt, shake them, and declare that you’re someone to take seriously. Not admitting you is the textbook definition of mistake. Historians will study how poor a decision this was.
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Fantastic! All schools absolutely take GPA into account. Many students have competitive GPAs- the highest I evaluated on a 4.0 scale was a weighted 4.85.
Truly competitive applicants have put time and effort into the entire application. They understand how to concisely explain their message.
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In short, yes.
In long, because the majority of schools review every aspect of the application, essays let the evaluator hear the person within the data. Counselors want to admit a class with diverse backgrounds and interests (to steal an old joke, they’re admission counselors, not denial counselors)- they’re looking for reasons to admit you!
You’re so much more than your GPA. Only you have your story.
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Absolutely, as long as it clearly displays you as an individual beyond the format. Admission counselors read many creative, brilliant essays every day. They’re not looking for the best writer, they’re looking to know an applicant.
HOWEVER-
I believe that creativity thrives in structure. An unconventional format can display your mind and help stick with the reader.
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Universities value students whose applications clearly communicate their message, display a student's strengths, and reflect upon their own growth.
Ex: Many applicants will discuss playing volleyball. Only a percentage will use the topic as a vehicle to deliver information about their life.
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If applying to schools via the Common or Coalition Application, supplemental essays are the only section that go to specific universities.
This is the best chance to show your knowledge of an individual institution.
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You have many stories great enough to knock socks off of counselors from San Jose to London. If you don’t believe me, I’ll bet you a free 30-minute conversation that you’re wrong.