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Health & Fitness

Beyond The Common Application Essay: The Dreaded Writing Supplements

When students finally dig into the college application process, they are often surprised to encounter, not just the main Common Application essay assignment, but a host of additional, school-specific writing supplement prompts for which they must also craft thoughtful replies. What are these wicked questions? What is the best way to approach them and how are they different from the Common Application's main essay? Supplement essays have become increasingly popular over the years, and with this year’s changes to the Common Application, they are even more pervasive than ever. The main Common Application essay is what many refer to as a "personal statement," meant to shed light on a student's personality and other characteristics that cannot be gleaned from a transcript or activity resume. The supplement essays are often more focused that the common app assignment, though they vary in length and scope. The prompts tackle subjects that range from deeper explorations of a student’s collegiate and academic interests like: “Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?” (University of Michigan, 500 words) to more amorphous topics like: “Celebrate your nerdy side.” (Tufts University, 250 words) I often encourage students to nail down their personal statement topic first, attacking their supplemental essays afterward in priority order, according to submission deadlines. Many schools will offer prompts that are similar in theme and content to the questions of other colleges (for example, many institutions now ask about a student's most important activity), so it is helpful for students gather all supplement questions before beginning the brainstorm process to see where they might naturally overlap. For example, take the University of North Carolina and University of Virginia supplement questions: UNC's prompt states, "Most of us have one or more personality quirks. Explain one of yours and what it says about you." (500 words) U.Va similarly asks," We are a community with quirks, both in language (we’ll welcome you to Grounds, not campus) and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are." (250 words) UVA's prompt can be easily answered by making thoughtful tweaks to the UNC's essay of similar subject and elongated word count. Ivy League applications often have extensive supplemental sections, as do some honors programs, so students should keep this in mind as they hunt for their essay questions and map out their plan of attack. Know that all supplement essays should be given the same time and care as the main Common Application essay. Schools want confirmation that students are willing to put in the thought and effort required to meet their specific requirements. You would be amazed how many people have trouble following instructions, or checking their essay content to make sure they are truly answering what is being asked of them. These supplements are an excellent opportunity to show a school both your competence and level of devotion to their institution. So take care, and show these school what you've got! For more tips on how to approach the writing supplement essays, or for information about our private consultation services, call 347-927-9CEA(9232) or contact us via our website at CollegeEssayAdvisors.com.

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