Confused about Common app essays?

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
1

<p>Just wondering, I know that some schools such as Tufts and U Chicago have essay questions on their website, but I also noticed that the Common app has its own essay questions.. I want to get a headstart on writing my essays, which one am I supposed to follow?</p>

2

<p>Hey so the Common App is kind of like a shared essay between all colleges using the common app. So you HAVE to write that essay on the Common App.</p>

<p>But colleges also have supplements you have to submit, each unique to each college. You HAVE to write those essays as well (unless the essay specifically says “optional” or “if you’re applying with this major…” or whatever). </p>

<p>so…you have to do all of them. I ended up writing like 32 essays last year cuz I applied to so many schools…</p>

<p>But the thing is a lot of the colleges have essays that are really similar and it isn’t hard to like recycle the essays you wrote for one college to the other and just tweak some details. I used the same essay for harvard as I did for the UC’s and basically the same one for Penn and Columbia hahhaha :D</p>

<p>GOOD LUCKKK <3</p>

3

<p>Oh thanks so much! I was confused because on the Tufts website, there are essay questions but I also saw the common app essay questions, but then I tried looking for NYU essay questions and could find none and I was just so confused! ugh</p>

4

<p>The Common Application has been revamped. Read carefully ALL of the instructions on word limits and how it will work. </p>

<p>The site will go live on August 1st. That means if you already opened an account, it will not work. You will have to wait until August 1 to see the supplemental topics for each school. Once you add a school to “My Colleges” the supplement will be viewable.</p>

<p>Until then, you can google the 2013-14 Common App essay main topics to get familiar with what they are asking.</p>

5

<p>Wait, does that mean Tufts does not use the common app? or U Chicago? because they have their questions on their website.</p>

6

<p>You are not understanding what I mean.</p>

<p>THe Common Application has been used by hundreds of schools for MANY years. Some schools will post questions on their own admissions websites, but because the CA has just recently remodeled, the CA is not usuable, yet. Until August 1.</p>

<p>IF Tufts and Univ of Chicago has the 2013-14 questions up, that’s great. I haven’t checked them today. It is possible, but make sure they are the correct ones for THIS year and are not still remaining from last year’s admissions site. </p>

<p>I was simply warning not to set up a CA profile until August 1st. Any work done on it will disappear and you will have to get a new username and password. </p>

<p>After August 1, it is ready to go and you can start completing and seeking out ALL of the supplements you will need to write.</p>

7

<p>Yes, U of Chicago freshman application essay questions are current on website for 2013-14.</p>

<p>

</p>

8

<p>Yes, Tufts admissions CA supplemental questions are updated, too;</p>

<p>

</p>

9

<p>Oh, okay I understand. Thanks!</p>

10

<p>The important thing to remember - if they ask for a word limit - do not go over that limit. </p>

<p>Also, make sure these supplements are for your incoming class - it would be the 2013-14 application cycle. </p>

<p>It’s always a good idea to read what is expected in terms of dates, which kinds of recommendations to provide and how many and any other information they want to tell you about. Will there be an alumni interview? Do you need a peer review? Can you submit a supplemental resume? Does your major require a portfolio, an audition or additional information? Don’t leave it all up to the CA website to tell you. </p>

<p>Oh, and even though this warning is several months early, don’t wait till the last day to submit. And Common App is on EST!</p>

11

<p>Gosh, this is just so much to think about. The early decision and/or early action is done through the common app too right? I was debating whether or not to apply early decision to NYU, I heard its harder to get in if I did that…</p>

12

<p>NYU has two ED programs - ED1 and ED2. One is early in November. </p>

<p>You cannot apply to another ED or EA school if you apply this way.</p>

<p>It’s a lot to think about and one of the most important points is - can you afford to go to NYU?</p>

<p>If you are thinking about an EA or ED, yes, it is on the Common App. Get your recommendations ready early. Ask teachers at least 1 month before they are due.</p>

13

<p>Does anyone know where I can find the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) supplement questions? Thank you!</p>