I am applying using the Common App to a school that doesn’t require an essay. I have already uploaded an essay to the Common App for other school applications. The school in question has an optional essay with their own prompt. Should I upload my Common App essay in this space or write a new essay that better answers the prompt? If the school doesn’t require an essay for the Common App, will they even see the essay I upload?
I don’t have an answer for you, but have the same question. Hope someone can help.
The optional essay should have a prompt different from the CommonApp essays, otherwise, why do they want a duplicated essay. You may adapt your essay to the prompt of the optional essay. You will see in the preview if the CommonApp essay is included in that school’s application. I would think so as you have already uploaded an essay to your CommonApp. If it is not required, you can delete that part before submitting the application to that school. Now you can change your application unlimited time between applications.
Thanks billcsho, that makes sense. The Common App essay appeared in the preview and I have left it there. I wrote something that answered the prompt for the optional essay, although it was short (it could be anywhere from 10 to 250 words). I just wanted to make sure my Common App essay was submitted with my application even though it wasn’t required. The preview told me it was. Thanks for the help.