I think the CDS is misleading.
Roughly 2/3 decision = (GPA×rigor) and most of the last third is test scores if provided, with everything else the cherry on top.
As a result, if you’re admitted thanks to GPA×rigor and perhaps test scores, you wouldn’t be un-admitted due to an uninteresting essay.
And if you were clearly not qualified for the major chosen at a University Park college, say you have a 2.8 or 3.0 GPA with mostly regular classes, this would indicate you really need the 2 years at a branch campus because you wouldn’t survive academically at University Park. No essay would change that.
So essays, reasons for applying, ECs.. would only matter for students who are borderline - say, 3.5-6 GPA students, etc.
I’m guessing “talent” could also be a euphemism for “recruited athlete” 