Do I really need to put that much effort into my essay?

Buffs2013 · 10-07-2008, 08:42 PM

After changing my mind several times about where I want to go to school, I have settled on Colorado State University. While at first I wasn't overly impressed with the school, I went back this past weekend and completely changed my mind. I'm also more likely to receive a bit of merit aid there than at the other schools I've applied to. All I have left to do for my application is submit an essay, which brings me to my current dilemma.

CSU is what I would consider a safety, based upon my stats(3.7 unweighted and 31 ACT). Do I need to put a huge amount of effort into my essay? If it helps, I'm someone who can nearly always turn in the first draft of a paper and get an A on it.

This is completely off topic, but I guess it is kind of ironic that my name is "Buffs2013" and I'm now wanting to go to Colorado State. For the longest time, I thought I'd end up at CU, and that is why my account name is what it is.

esgee · 10-07-2008, 10:02 PM

Well, I mean, in the end is completely up to you.
However, I'd advise you not take the risk--keep in mind that there is definitely a "random luck" aspect of the admissions process, both bad and good luck. A girl from my school last year, who basically was the ULTIMATE student (great grades, minority, tons of ECs, great SAT scores, etc.) was rejected from her safety, Tulane for whatever reasons. Ironically she ended up being accepted at UPenn the same day. Ha.

Just goes to show that you never really totally know what goes on with the admissions process so I think it's better that you try your best with every part of the app.

CrystalPineapple · 10-07-2008, 10:05 PM

tulane is rather obnoxious...wow.

DEFINITELY work on your essays! i blew off two of my essays for safety schools that didn't require them. by blew off i mean i used an essay that i wrote already and spent a decent, but not considerable, amount of time on.

so um. you have to put effort into your essay.