<p>Which one is better? Penn App comes out later this month. should I wait for that one?</p>
<p>Doesn't matter what you choose. They have no preference.</p>
<p>"Legally" or "logistically", whatever the term is, they can't be part of the Common App organization if they favor one form over the other. That would diminish the point of the common app. I plan on using the original Penn App but the two are virtually the same. The only difference is the optional third essay.</p>
<p>so there is an optional essay on the Penn ap?
then of course I'll use that one.
is there an optional essay on the common app?</p>
<p>quickflood, check it out yourself:
<a href="http://www.admissionsug.upenn.edu/applying/incoming.php%5B/url%5D">http://www.admissionsug.upenn.edu/applying/incoming.php</a></p>
<p>The only "optional" part I see is the creative supplement. Questions 5a and 6 on Form 1B are mandatory.</p>
<p>The question I still have is if you do the common application, do you ALSO do a common app personal statement (along with 5a and 6), for a total of three essays?</p>
<p>Yes, you have to do the common app personal statement no matter what.</p>