<p>I know on the Penn-specific app they ask you for two essays, the why Penn one, and one of the three topics inlcuded in the commonapp supplement as optional. But with commonapp, you get another essay anyway. So does everyone who applies with the commonapp write a third essay (the optional one in the supplement)?</p>
<p>not EVERYONE writes it...maybe not even the majority write it. You definitely SHOULD write it though...the very fact that it's offerred means something</p>
<p>I agree with Jyankees -- if it's offered, why not go that extra step? I just reconstituted one of my essays...gotta love the "topic of your choice" option :p</p>
<p>If you feel you're not a very strong applicant or you just want a slight edge, I'd advise you write it................I wrote it.</p>
<p>ya i wrote 3 essays, the more you can write about yourself why not? it gives the adcom more of an idea of who you are</p>
<p>I don't think it is necessary at all, especially when the students using the Penn-specific app are only limited to 2 essays in the first place. If you cannot say anything more about yourself, there is no point in writing another essay, it will only be an additional essay the adcom has to read, which he or she might not be too happy about. Or better yet, use your Common App essay to answer or cover one of the topics given by Penn, that way you kill 2 birds with one stone and the adcom will thank you for giving him or her an easier time.</p>
<p>when i met my regional director, he told me to definitely take advantage of the optional essay even tho i had a common app supplement as well.</p>