I know for a fact that essays hold a lot of weight in admissions. In president Max Nkkias’s welcome speech this year, he clearly said that 100’s, even 1000’s of students were rejected with 4.0 gpa and perfect sats. They truly are looking for special individuals with leadership and drive among many other things. the essays are where they can get to know you. We were told by a very credible person in admissions that your interest in the school also plays a big role. So if USC is your #1, show them that by going to as many things as possible that they offer this year and tell them that in your application. Use the extra space on the common app to let them know it’s your first choice and that you participated in blank, blank and blank. I agree with @20Lourdes15 to be specific about what USC offers. My D talked specifically about the Viterbi school and how it differed from everywhere else and also specific clubs she wanted to get in to. She was accepted and she’s a freshman there right now and EXTREMELY happy!! Good luck and you can ask me anything. I just went through this last year with my D and I’m quite the expert right now!!