The Key Word is “Personal”

After grades, the college essay is the most important element of your application

After academics, the next most important factors in admissions decisions are character traits and the college essay (the ideal place to demonstrate character traits and values). This data, based on a survey by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), indicates just how important the essay is in the college process. I’ve been on 30 college campuses so far in 2025, and every school with holistic review agree that the essay is the key glimpse into what an applicant might add to their campus community beyond the classroom.

This post shares what the essay is - and perhaps more importantly, what it isn’t - along with info on essay coaching support, available for a limited time.