Hello everyone,
I am working on my RD applications a little bit, and was looking at the Harvard writing supplement. As you probably know, it says that “You may wish to include an additional essay if you feel that the college application forms do not provide sufficient opportunity to convey important information about yourself or your accomplishments.” How strongly recommended is it to do so?
Thanks!!
It’s generally strongly recommended; especially considering the fact that so many of Harvard’s applicants appear so similar on paper (stats-wise).
Ok. I just didn’t know if they frowned upon the whole submitting an additional document thing. Thanks!!
I feel like most (if not all) of Harvard’s applicants wind up submitting it.
Use the supplemental essay wisely. Your goal is create a picture of who you are by painting three portraits about yourself using the Common Application Personal Statement, Harvard’s Short Essay about an extracurricular activity and the non-required, but highly recommended, Harvard supplemental essay. They are opportunities to give the Admissions Committee a window into your soul. If you choose not to submit a supplemental essay, you’re basically saying to Admissions “I’ve told you everything about myself that I possibly can!” And how realistic is that?
Is the Harvard short essay in the Common App? The writing supplement only gives me the option to submit an additional essay and resume
Never mind, I found it. It is just the one on an activity, right?
Yes, the short essay about an extracurricular activity or job is REQUIRED. The other “optional” supplemental essay, which is NOT required, is yet another opportunity to help distinguish yourself from other applicant’s. Use it wisely!
Thank you!!! @gibby