College Essay............What it's worth???????

[melgrek]

I will be submitting my application this week & I was curious as to how much weight the essay portion actually carries? I was considering having an angency review it for me but was wondering if the cost was worth it. My grades are A's/B's, and I have been volunteering @ a hospital in the Oncology dept. for the past 2 years. Someday I would like to work with cancer patients. If anyone could give me some advice..........I would truly appreciate it........Thank you

[DZcarrie]

when i wrote my essay, i searched on dogpile.com for tips. some that i remember are to not tell your life story or any kind of pitiful story unless it is truly in answer to your question. i.e. if the question for the essay was something like "explain your most lifechanging moment" don't write about your dog that died when you were 6. commonsense stuff. also, i remember something about researching your topic if necessary before writing about it.

if i am remembering correctly, different schools use the essay for different "weight" for your application. the schools that i remember looking at did have the essay weighted low.

i think the essay is mainly supposed to be if the admissions committee isn't quite sure about whether you should be admitted or not.

i am no expert, here, though.

you seem to have a good head on your shoulders! good luck :)