<p>Say you have a 3.5 or 3.6 but write a killer essay that shows serious character is it theoretically possible to overtake someone with much better stats? Even at an elite school? I am aiming for vandy but am gonna apply with a 3.5ish (finish the year with 3.6)and 7 withdraws (medical problems, I’m not dumb lol), and I can write extremely well and can make my essay really funny. Is it possible that I could still go to a school of vandy’s caliber? Thanks everyone.</p>
<p>No, a stellar essay by itself won’t cut it.</p>
<p>Everything is evaluated in reason and in context. Adcoms employ a holistic approach to assessing the capabilities of each applicant. In layman’s terms, a great essay could help put you over the top, but if everything else on your application is lacking, forget about it.</p>
<p>It depends on the school, really. </p>
<p>Some schools are essay-obsessed. Others barely care. </p>
<p>Chicago, for example, loves essays, because fit is the thing they’re really looking for most.</p>
<p>Read “The Gatekeepers”</p>
<p>Sure, if your essay is about your perfect score on the SAT.</p>