<p>I'm applying ED, so my common app essay is basically taylored to that college (Swarthmore). I heard that Swat likes people who express a lot of interest in them. I was wondering if this would be a help or a hindrance (other than the fact that if I don't get in, I have to write a completely new essay).</p>
<p>In retrospect, this paragraph doesn't seem very clear. My question is: is it a good or bad thing to write a common app essay specifically for a certain college (i.e. having multiple references to visits, college specifics, etc..)?</p>
<p>Have you gotten the Swarthmore Supplement from its website? The supplement asks for a "Why Swarthmore?" essay. I would think that that's where you would write the essay which had multiple references to visits, college specifics, etc. And then you'd write a different essay for the common app.</p>
<p>I did write my 'Why Swat' essay, and it's already sent in. My common app essay is similar to it in that it expresses an interest in Swat, but it's different because it tells more about me. And stuff like that.</p>
<p>It's hard to say without seing the essay, but generally the purpose of the essay is to show the adcom who you are. You don't need to tell them, how great Swarthmore is. They know it better then you. You should tell them something that they can't know from the rest of your application (which includes the "why S." essay).</p>
<p>If the essay will be seen by other colleges you are applying to, absolutely do not make a specific reference to a specific college. What an insult.</p>
<p>I'm sure you won't be using this essay for other colleges. So, like you said, you'll have to write another common app essay if you don't get into Swat. I guess you're making casual references to Swat in the Common ap essay....aside from the Why Swat essay...and I assume you did this to give Swat the hint that you're so interested in them they have their own essay. As long as the essay is about YOU and not Swat, that's fine.</p>
<p>Just don't forget to change the essay if you don't get in.</p>