GIMEurSTRESballZ

It seems like the list is the same as last years but with a few prompts deleted? I liked some of those prompts though...I am kinda sad that next years class won't have the enjoyment (as much as essay writing can give) I got to have.

vistany

Thanks for inspiring me to compare them. The new ones look much more straightforward. The past few years they were a bit tougher to get started on, so these look like they could elicit more of the students voice.

How important are Essays as compared to say... teacher recs?

GIMEurSTRESballZ

Hmmm, I think the essays are a bit more important because it is YOUR voice and not someone elses. They are a lot more versatile too and can say what you want the admissions counselors to hear about you better than someone else can tell them.
I feel like last years had more choices which allowed more subjects to be discussed. I chose the guillotine quote from last year and was able to discuss overpopulation in one of my best college essays. I miss it

UVAMalex09

Essays are in the top 3 important factors for admission. Grades, class rank, and extracurriculars can't tell as much about a person than written word from that person.

vistany

Wow! I'm really surprised. A friend of my son's told me he was sure his essays got him in, and I wasn't at all convinced. Now you have me rethinking that. Problem is my s is so serious and earnest -- big community servant -- that I think his essays will seem stiff. That could be a problem.