College admissions is an art

College admissions is not a science; it is an art. Admissions decisions are not based solely on grades and standardized test scores. Admissions officers want to know and get a picture of each applicant as an individual, and they do this through a variety of qualitative assessments of the candidate. The most important of these qualitative indicators are the essay, interview and teachers’ recommendation letters.

Why the essay is an opportunity like no other

Among these three components, the essay is the only one over which the student has direct control. In other words, unlike many other aspects of the college application, the essay is an area in which the student has almost complete freedom and unlimited potential to impress the readers. An outstanding essay can help an applicant outshine others with better grades and standardized test scores, while a poor essay can damage an otherwise highly competitive application.

Simply put, the essay can make or break your chances in the college admissions game.