<p>I know that Wash U doesn't require a supplement with the Common App but if I'm really interested in going to Wash U, can I write an essay in the "additional info" part of the common app writing section? </p>
<p>BTW, if I do so, I would have to create a different version of the Common App just for Wash U and Common App says that I shouldn't do that. Does this really matter? If it does, can I submit this essay through another method? Thanks for the help!!</p>
<p>You can try E-mailing the admission office and see whether they will accept it.
WashU doesn’t have a supplement for a reason; they have the merit scholarships with all the bunch of extra essays. If you want to express interest (as implied through your why WashU essay), I would write essays and apply for those merit scholarships instead. They are a strong indicator of interest.</p>