<p>i just sent in my distinguished application and i notice there weren't any essays like on the normal applytexas application.
does that mean they dont require essays?
and even if its not required, can i mail in my applytexas essays and an extended resume?</p>
<p>i also had a question about the dist cand app… What does it really do differently than applying early with the common app? Because i already have my common app started and don’t know exactly what the difference is? Is there a way i can use the common app and still be considered as a “Distinguished candidate” You said there is no essay? So is it simply the general info. plus ecs… Or is there still an option to send the essay if you want to? thanks</p>
<p>i honestly don’t know what the difference is other than you get prioroty for scholarships.
the application was very short with a few short answer questions (very similar to commapp) but i didnt see an essay on there which seemed weird to me.
i didnt see any options to send an essay in but im going to send my commapp essay just in case!</p>
<p>i thought the essay should go where it asks for a personal statement, it says min of 250 words like the CA does, and is about a significant event, achievement, or characteristic. it seems to make sense… also, does anyone know how we qualified for this app? was it by visiting, or joining a mailing list?</p>
<p>My son received one from SMU and we visited but he also received them from several schools that we did visit nor on the mailing list.</p>
<p>I have heard some of these apps may sent basis the SAt or ACT scores.</p>
<p>My daughter got a distinguished candidate app, but I don’t know why. She did not send them SAT/ACT scores.</p>
<p>I got one, too. Probably based on high test results because I have no interest in SMU at all. I’ve gotten these kinds of simple “priority” apps by regular mail and by email from a lot of schools. Some offer incentives to apply, like automatic fee waivers or priority for consideration for some things. Some don’t. I’m told that the concept is to encourage more apps overall (which helps school rank somehow) and also luring in high achieving students who might not otherwise have applied. The apps are easier and quicker than the regular form, but you can always still send the regular form instead.</p>
<p>ok so the personal statement is the only essay on the application? we dont need to send any additional essays?</p>
<p>oh and on the application, when it asked for ACT/SAT scores i left it blank b/c i’m not sending in my SAT scores and i was stillwaiting for the september ACT scores.
would leaving it blank cause problems or look bad?</p>
<p>I am sending mine in tomorrow!! I just got an email from SMU saying that no essay is required except the personal statement, which is optional.</p>
<p>If I were to send in my CommonApp application instead of my “distinguished application” would they still see that I was given the chance to take the"distinguished application"? </p>
<p>(This is for SMU)</p>
<p>I have no idea? I tried sending out an email, but it never got answered. I am just applying with the “distinguished application” anyways. Are you applying early action?</p>
<p>When my son’s distinguished app email first arrived, he had already completed his Common App, but hadn’t yet submitted it. So he emailed his SMU admissions counselor to ask if there was any reason or need to send in the distinguished app instead. The answer was “no.” Either app will do. The distinguished application doesn’t really set you apart in any way. Whatever put you on their mailing list for the distinguished app in the first place (probably test scores) already set you apart a little (though I think they cast kind of a wide net, and it’s a bit of a marketing/“numbers” game for colleges who use them, I think, no offense to anybody) – and those test scores, or whatever, will be reflected in whichever app you submit. The SMU adcom said there is absolutely no advnatage to submitting the distinguished app over the Common App.</p>
<p>I called admissions for my son too about the distinguished app. They told me he already is “marked” in their system as distinguished and any application would have the same mark. So just send in whatever app is easiest. Has anyone received an acceptance yet?</p>
<p>^Two years ago, admissions acceptances began arriving somewhere around 10-15 December, maybe. Somewhere close to that.</p>
<p>okay so when i was writing my essay on the application i thought it said max 500 words when it really said minimum 500 words.
after i realized this, i sent in my corrected personal statement with the correct length…do you think i’ll be alright?</p>
<p>Yes, I think you’ll be fine. SMU seems very detailed and on top of things. The smaller private schools can be more flexible with things like that.</p>
<p>@runninglover,
I agree with Rice1961, but in addition, if you haven’t already, I would also either send an email to or call your admissions counselor telling him/her that you’ve sent in a new essay. If you DON’T do this, things will probably work out fine. But if you DO, then your counselor can double-check that your file is complete with the new document prior to its review.</p>
<p>i checked and they got everything!! 
i just hope they read my corrected essay and not th one on my app lol</p>
<p>thanks guys!</p>
<p>My distinguished app said a minimum of 250 words?</p>
<p>whoa really?</p>