bigcollegeguy,
Your response will be welcomed by many applicants, no doubt, because you addressed their issues and, further, you
kindly suggested that they can work towards managing stress by writing purposeful and sincere essays.
I might add that your Board scores are not “poor” or necessarily viewed against you, partly due to the fact that the Admissions Office likely recognizes that you have done very well indeed at your rigorous prep school. Your references probably bear this out.
I too applied ED and attended Colgate. That was a long time ago and my sense of belonging to the campus and alumni communities has remained strong ever since, as does a sense of respect and indebtedness to my professors for my education. I would also credit specifically the Core Curriculum for the common thread all Colgate students and alumni have enjoyed irrespective of our own particular academic interests and pursuits.
May I suggest you hit the ground running this August and enjoy every minute. Those 4 years will fly by!
Best regards, Markham
Go 'gate!