I have never taken any STEM competitions or these “olympiad” stuff. But I have a passion for science that my essay very clearly express. Is it possible at all to get accepted without research, stem competitions or big awards if i have great unique essays that really explain why i never had the incentive yet still learned so much on my own?
Your GPA and SATs, ACT’s have to be stellar.
Your EC’s have to be stellar.
The concern is that they need students who will mesh with other students; not be stuck in their room doing their own thing so EC’s have to be there.
They have been admitting more well-rounded students.