<p>I wrote a really personal essay for another school (supplement essay for common app) that really really really describes my character and personality... it's about my first experience and its impact.</p>
<p>I've already written my 2 supplemental JHU essays but I like my above essay A LOT better than my supplement and common app essay.
I dont feel that my supplemental JHU essays dont really bring out that indepth of personality that I brang out in my above essay...</p>
<p>So i was thinking about placing that essay in the Additional essay section on the JHU supplement.</p>
<p>However, that means that there will be FOUR essays (1 common app, 2 jhu supplement apps and 1 additional info app).</p>
<p>I just want to know if I will be penalised for adding an extra essay. I know that most of you guys will say it's a waste of time and that adcoms aren't too fond to spend their time reading 500 extra essays and I don't mind if they choose not to read it but I'm scared about being penalised for writing an extra essay..</p>
<p>So do you think I'll be penalised? Like, do you think an extra essay will make the adcoms feel negative about me?
Only the adcoms will be able to answer that question but I was wondeirng how you guys felt on this subject.
Thanks a bunch :)</p>
<p>I guess it depends on how long they are and if they are interesting. Also, if they basically say the same thing about you...well you're screwed then. </p>
<p>It seems like you have too many things to list and bring out -- adcoms might not like that (A big guess since no Adcom likes something like a 4 page resume). Why don't you just cut your main commonapp and replace it with the supplement essay under "topic of choice"? I personally never even touched the commonapp...so w/e</p>
<p>I was thinking about replacing my common app essay with this one but the essay was primarily for this other school's common app supplement. So then I'd have to either write another essay for the supplement or just send in the same essay as the supplement essay (which i really dont want to do).</p>
<p>This essay does bring out a whole different side of me and it is quite long..(700 words). Should I edit this essay down to 400-500 words for JHU?</p>
<p>Maybe I should just edit my other JHU essays? I dont want to be penalised as someone who cant bring about their personalities in just 2 or 3 essays (which other successful applicant can achieve).</p>
<p>Wait what did you put in the additional info. for the COMMON app one (right under the essay). Thats where I put my semi extra essay (wasn't really an essay. Just explained a process). Anyhow I think it would be fine... i dont think they would penalize you but two things.</p>
<ol>
<li>trim it down.</li>
<li>MAKE SURE it says something different about you. If it does not and is just a bunch of useless info. that is stated somewhere else in the application DONT put it.</li>
</ol>
<p>OK, here is the point-of-view of someone who does this for a living.</p>
<p>First, the points below are my opinion. You can choose to heed my advice or take what ever path you want. Ultimately, submitting 4 essays will not lead to an "automatic deny" or "penalize you" or "lessen your chances." </p>
<p>That being send, I do not recommend sending 4 essays as part of your JHU application. Here is what I suggest in order of importance:</p>
<p>(1) Absolutely submit both JHU essays as they matter the most. In the end, as I review application personal statements these two essays carry the most weight for me. </p>
<p>(2) When applying Common App. you may submit a 3rd essay that will be reviewed. I agree with submitting one of the two extra essays you have, not both. If you think your "personal essay" better represents you, then submit that as your Common App. essay (topic of your choice selection). </p>
<p>(3) Do not trim your essays just so you can submit 4 essays. No matter length, if an applicant submits four essays, I typically will scan and almost ignore the 4th essay. It is a matter of fairness more than anything.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for your inputs.
Gyros, for the common app additional info, I wrote semi-essay that fully described my ECs as I dont think that the EC section is that fabulous.</p>
<p>I've decided not to submit 4 essays. Instead I'll be submitting the 4th one as my common app essay.
:) Thanks everyone.</p>