<p>It can, but it depends on which school and what those shortcomings are. No essay can make up for a transcript full of C’s and D’s. But if you have A’s and B’s, and perhaps 1 or 2 C, a compelling essay can open doors to many selective schools (perhaps selective LACs?), as long as everything is fine.</p>
<p>Your essay should be 650 or fewer words in length. What makes a great application essay? Answers to that question will vary, but I think the main thing is that the essay should make an impact on the reader, and it certainly should not sound contrived.</p>