I realize that the common app essay isn’t required but the school still reads it, right? They still take it into consideration? Is it less important than the other essays?
This is for transfer but I don’t mind if someone who applied as a freshman gives their opinion
They most certainly read and value the CA essay! Last year, my dd’s personal note on her acceptance letter talked about her CA essay.
Are you sure the CA essay is optional? I’m pretty sure that it’s required, at least for freshman applicants, but I can’t find anything that says either way on the Stanford site. In any event, you should use every opportunity available to show the admissions office that they should accept you.
@pacnwmomof2 It shows up as optional at the common app website so I think so. Okay, that’s better actually. Thanks for the reply!
Yes it is read. Why in the world would you not use this to tell them more about yourself? It is only an advantage to you unless you put too little thought into it.