Why do colleges care so much about essays?

Colleges ask for essays not just to learn about your writing skills, but also to get a sense of who you are beyond numbers and activities. When hundreds or even thousands of applicants have similar grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, the essay helps an admissions officer understand what makes you unique in a way transcripts and résumés can’t show.

Essays play a big role, especially at selective schools. They can sometimes be the deciding factor between two equally qualified candidates. The essay is your opportunity to let your personality, perspective, and values shine. Admissions committees look for insight into how you think, what matters to you, and how you might contribute to their campus community. They want to understand your voice, your resilience, your curiosity, or your worldview. A compelling, authentic essay that reflects real self-reflection or growth often sticks in the mind of a reader.

For example, imagine two students with strong science grades and similar clubs. One writes a generic essay summarizing achievements; the other dives into a moment when they failed during a science fair and how that experience helped them become a better team member. The latter offers a clearer sense of who that student is and how they might interact on campus.

You don’t have to share your deepest secrets, but colleges do appreciate essays that demonstrate honesty, self-awareness, and thoughtfulness. Specific, personal stories that show character and growth tend to resonate most. So, in short, essays matter because they round out the picture of who you are, giving you a chance to bring your application to life in your own words.