Common App- is there one mandatory essay?

My kids prefilled out the basics on the common app; the schools they are applying to say essays are optional. But I keep hearing there is a mandatory common app essay/personal statement. Would someone clarify?

The schools are UCF (central Florida), USF (south Florida) and UA (Alabama Tuscaloosa).

There is one main essay on the Common App which is included for all colleges that require the essay (which is most, but not all colleges). Additionally, each college may have additional essays. Or they may not. All is spelled out once kud makes a Common App account and selects colleges.

Be aware that the common app opens 8/1. Basic dara will roll over from accounts created before 8/1, but essays and colleges will not.

Okay, so that essay is not optional for any school then?

Off to break my kids’ hearts. Lol.

UCF does not require the essay.

USF does not require the essay.

https://admissions.ua.edu/freshman/requirements/

I don’t believe UA requires it, either.

Your kids are correct…