Additional Letters/Essays

<p>Does anyone know if WashU admissions like additional essays? Someone said she was going to write a Why WashU? essay and send it to admissions......does this seem like a bother or do you think doing so would be helpful?</p>

<p>Um I would guess that they don't want that. If they wanted additional essays I think that they would require them.</p>

<p>I think the kind of interest WashU is looking for is that you visit and get an interview. Anyone can BS a why ___ essay, but visiting and getting interviewed is how they truly know that you're interested.</p>

<p>I could be wrong, and keep in mind I know nothing about this. But that's just my best guess.</p>

<p>Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. I don't think I'll write a "Why WashU?" essay because, like you said, it's not very unique and WU already knows I am VERY interested in the school. lol. </p>

<p>However, I'm not completely innocent. A WashU student encouraged me to write a letter/essay to admissions talking about my Native American heritage and how this has shaped my ideas, decisions, and, in general, life. I really thought thin information included was helpful, very unlike a generic Why WashU essay....:). As only 0.68% of the population are American Indian, I suppose this part of me does in fact make me unique.</p>

<p>guitarman89 - I disagree with your statement. The only time I would agree is if you sent a generic why I Love _____ , where you just insert the name of a school. Anytime that you send a unique additional letter that gives WashU a better insight as to who you are and how you woud enhance the WashU campus atmosphere and culture, it is a positive. Obviously don't overdo it by flooding them with constant letters. Although periodic updates to your admissions rep, as long as they are relevant, can be usefull. The more you fit the mosaic they are assembling for the next freshman class, the better off you are. Just make sure that it adds to your application and not to the generic clutter that is "mass" produced and can be used for "any" school.</p>

<p>^ That's probably the best advice there. If the additional information in some way enhances your character or application rather than merely restating information in your app it'll probably help. Just make sure it does provide good information though, because redundancy and the like ST2 said, "the clutter that is mass produced" will probably be a detriment to your app rather than a benefit.</p>

<p>It's quite possible that an additional essay regarding your heritage could help as long as it is done the right way, because it sounds like your heritage is something you're not able to fully explain in your app.</p>

<p>In my first post I assumed that you were thinking of writing a Why WashU essay. I honestly wouldn't recommend that unless it's really, really good.</p>