<p>Is the common application essay (with the five different prompts) the same thing as the college essay? Because I thought you could write anything you wanted for your college essay? Or do you have to write both? I'm really confused about this. Thanks!</p>
<p>If you are applying with common application (which most schools do) it is basically synonymous with the college essay you submit to schools. In the past there was an option 6 where you could basically write anything you want, but after the essay topics changed, it has taken the form of question 1, where you tell a story that is very important or central to your life that your application wouldn’t be complete without it.</p>
<p>So in other words it is the same thing. Some colleges will have you write supplements in addition to your main common application essay (with the five choices) but that depends on the school itself. </p>