<p>what has more weight in the admissions process: essays or test scores? i have a strong gpa and good test scores. writing is my strength… i was wondering if essays were more important than test scores or vice versa… i am in the range for all my schools, lower end of the range for some of my reaches. could my essays compensate for what i lack standardized testing wise?</p>
<p>Depends on the school. Some schools weigh tests heavily, others barely pay attention or are test optional. Some pay close attention to the essays, others barely glance at them. You don’t give enough info for anyone to give a meaningful answer - you’d need to list the schools.</p>
<p>my top two choices are duke and middlebury</p>
<p>I think they are equally as important. But in my.opinion, the essay. The essay is the one chance to prove to colleges about yourself. Colleges adcoms are not going to know much about a student based on his or her academic success. With that said, academics achievements are important as well.
MY TIP: DO WELL ON BOTH!! :)</p>
<p>Neither one is easy, and anyone short of the 30-31 range is going to have a tough time. Off the top of my head, and based on reputation, I’d say Duke probably takes more flyers on athletes rather than someone who catches their eye with a great essay. You’ll have a better chance to get into Middlebury with a great backstory, it’s more that kind of place, but because it’s so much smaller, they don’t have many places to give. Both seem to have floors in their test scores that are difficult to beat.</p>
<p>Anyone with better knowledge of the admissions process at those two schools is more than welcome to tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about.</p>