I was wondering if there is any difference in the way the optional Supplement and common app essay are evaluated. If the common app essay is “meh” quality, but the Supplement reveals a lot about the applicant’s personality, for example, would the supplement be the primary source of discussion in committee, or would the common app still hold a lot of weight in the decision.
As far as I know, Harvard has never publicly commented how the Common App essay and Supplemental essay are weighted. My guess: to be accepted to Harvard (or YPSM), a student needs the full package, meaning that if one element of their file is meh – be it grades, test scores, EC’s, teacher recs, interview, Common App essay, or Supplemental essay – that student will not be accepted. So based on that way of thinking, I would think the Common App essay and Supplemental essay are weighted equally.
Agree. You can’t blow any part. It all matters. The competition is that fierce.
No. or Yes. or Maybe.
It is what ii is, so no sense microanalyzing it. As @gibby said, it’s the complete package that matters.