I wrote the ADS Essay (as a High School Senior). What Happens Next?

I recently finished writing my two 250-word essays for the Alumni Distinguished Scholarship (I feel proud of it, I hope) last week. I have yet to write the ADS exam. What happens after I write the essays? Does it get factored into a composite score in conjunction with your exam? Does it act as a barrier to entry to take the exam? Do they send you any emails within this time window informing you of any updates regarding our position in the competition? Thanks for the help!