Can Essays Help a Student be "Accepted"?

For both the Common Application and the University of California (UC) application, students are asked to the write essays to be submitted with their college applications. For the Common Application, which is accepted by most universities in the United States, students are required to submit one 650-word essay, along with any school-specific supplemental essays. For the UC application, students are required to write four 350-word essays.

I am often asked, "Do essays really make a difference?"and/or "Can essays help a student with lower grades be admitted into a competitive school?"

Here's The Deal About Essays:

(1) Essays can help students share their best qualities and traits, and overall help a university understand how a student's background aligns with the resources and educational opportunities available at their particular university. As such, if essays are done well, they can be impactful in providing rationale for why a student should be considered and/or accepted.

(2) If a student's grades are significantly far away from the average student's GPA who is typically admitted into a particular university, I generally find essays will not help a student be admitted into that university. Grades, in most situations, come first. I have worked with many students, with wonderful essays, but they are typically not admitted if their grades are not in line with the typical student who is admitted.

For students with the academic record for a specific university... 'Evidence' That Essays Can Help A Student "Stand Out":

My student was admitted restricted early action into the University of Notre Dame this admissions cycle, and received the below hand-written note from her admissions counselor.

This particular student wrote about her relationship with her faith, as the primary theme in her 650-word essay. And, as seen in this note, the admissions officer indicated that her reflection (in her main essay) was the reason her application stood out amongst the rest of the applicant pool.... helping her be admitted into Notre Dame.

What Worked Well?

For each essay I help a student write, I help them connect their story to multiple areas of their life, along with help the reader understand what does their story mean for their life in college and/or post-graduation.

There were three key elements that I believe helped this student come across mature (and stand out):

Connected personal situation to quote from a book:

To reflect on this student's life experience, this student sought advise and knowledge from the literature around her. She shared in her essay a quote from a book that was meaningful to her, and shared how she incorporated that quote into her life.

Showcased appreciation for a nuanced perspective

While this student shared the challenge she went through, she also shared that she saw another angle on the challenge. She showed there is grey when perhaps black or white was the easier viewpoint to solely notice.

Used learnings for the greater good

This student shared several internal learnings. Also, she shared how these learnings were used to help her friends and those around her with their similar life events / transitions.

What Does This Mean For You?

If you are senior in high school writing your main Common Application, do not be afraid to be vulnerable and reflective through your essays. You may just find that your thoughtfulness is key to connecting with your reader!

Have More Questions?

Feel free to reach out to Sami Greenberg, Founder of Rose College Prep, at rosecollegeprep@gmail.com, or schedule a free 30-minute consultation here. Sami would love to help you share your best self through your application essays.

Sami has worked with students since she graduated college in 2010, helping them through the full college application process---including career search, college list selection and essay writing. Sami is highly passionate about helping students understand themselves and building self-confidence through this pivotal life moment.