<p>Geez, I was writing this great essay. It was one of the only college app essays that I actually liked and felt was an adequate representation of my person. I really like Rensselaer too. </p>
<p>So the candidate's choice app has no essay? Have I missed something?</p>
<p>Is it going to be better to send in CommonApp with a good essay than to assume that they want me and send in a crap application with a crap personal statement? (I can't write a personal statement, not in 250 words. And even if I could, it would be nowhere as good as this essay.)</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure the personal statement is 250 words or more. If you used a common application essay, they are all pretty much "personal statements" as far as I am concerned. I attached a separate sheet typed up for my essay. Mine was just a simple personal statement and was around 490 words total. Hope that helps.</p>
<p>I think dafuzz is right. We just got back from a visit to RPI. The admissions guy was not very direct, but my impression is that they like to see a good essay because most applicants don't bother with the essay at all. I wouldn't worry about going to 500 words rather than 250.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. The essay that I wrote is around 600 words; phew. I hope that isn't too long, but in contrast to some of my others which need to be edited from 1000 words at present to the required 500, it's looking pretty good.</p>
<p>Of course, half the reason that I was so freaked was because the essay I wrote doesn't sound as if it came from a "personal statement" prompt. I used the common app "respond to a fictional character" one. Of course, it got pretty personal, but it does seem pretty weird considering the prompt now. Oh well, I guess I'll just stick in something about Fahrenheit 451 being my favorite book and a life-changing read. </p>
<p>Where did you hear about there being no essay? On the Candidate's Choice App that I filled out, the last page had the personal statement/essay (whatever you want to call it). Mine turned out about 750-800 words by the way.</p>
<p>thats such a relief! im glad i found this blog. i have been wondering about the "personal statement" on the CCA since i got the app in the mail.</p>
<p>The adcom I met with today told me there is no advantage in the decision of admittance using either the candidates choice or common app, other than the time saved using the candidates choice.</p>
<p>D is doing common ap w/ supplement. Would rather use one of her other college application essays than have to come up with a personal statement.</p>