Common Application Questions

Applying to College
1

<p>I have a few questions....</p>

<p>1) If we "choose our own topic" in the essay section, do we actually have to state what that topic is?</p>

<p>2) I know that the limit for the essay is technically 6,000 characters and they say 250-500 words, but is it okay if I do, say, 525 words?</p>

<p>3) One of my colleges (American U) does not have a supplement. My intended major according to the Common App is engineering, yet American doesn't offer engineering. So where do I put my intended major for American?</p>

<p>Thank you in advance!!!</p>

2

<p>An extra 25 words won't raise eyebrows on the essay. An extra 100+ words will, but not 25.</p>

<p>I can't help you on the other two questions. Good luck.</p>

3

<p>thanks ann :)</p>

4

<p>For American U, make a copy of the Common App only for them and change the major. Don't apply to a school under a major they don't have.</p>

5

<p>Well, it's better not to write over the limit, but when I wrote my essays for UC applications, I'm like over 70 words =D</p>

6

<p>How about question number 1? Anyone?</p>

7

<p>Edit: I got the answer from question number 3 by calling American. Apparently you're admitted into the whole college first, then choose your major. Hmmm..</p>

8

<p>It's probably a good idea to give your essay a title/topic if you choose your own, but it's probably not absolutely necessary.</p>

9

<p>My son chose his own topic. I suggested he give it a title, but he prefers not to.</p>

<p>You have to check the little box next to which topic you've picked, so they'll see that and know that you picked your own topic. I still think giving it a title is a good idea, even if my son disagrees. (But it's HIS app, so I won't push it).</p>

<p>I'm a little curious... why are you applying to a school that doesn't offer your intended major?</p>

10

<p>I am actually in between foreign service and engineering. Also, I live near Washington DC so my parents want me to apply to area schools (UMD, Gtown, GW, American).</p>