Easy way to see if schools have supplemental essays?

I’ve looked on a few college websites and some make it clear that they have a separate supplemental question (or questions) on their application over and above the common application essay. Some schools’ websites don’t say either way. I checked a few Common Data Sets and it’s not called out on there either. Is there a way to know this before you start an application?

Great question! When my D applied last year, we found at least 5 “Easter eggs” hidden in various college’s website. So my first suggestion is to throughly look at the college’s version of the app, and their requirements and recommendations, and what they say they want. Examples: College A asked for an optional LOR, which could be from a friend, parent, whoever. This wasn’t anywhere to be found on the common app, and it was submitted via email. College B asked for an optional supp essay, again not found on common app. Colleges C and D had the option of submitting just the informational part of the app separately from the rest of the common app, and no fee required. My D submitted those early, to show interest. College D also had a little nugget in the Common App, which is NOT mentioned anywhere on the college website. D had to save that app and think of a good response before she submitted it. College E sent an email after app was submitted, requesting optional LOR, from a parent. Later discovered the optional LOR was there on the website and she hadn’t noticed it. That was also submitted via email.

My second piece of advice is to be aware of these unexpected options well in advance. That way they won’t creep up on your child out of the blue,10 minutes before the deadline:-)

@Lindagaf Holy cow! I had a feeling that’s what it was like. It’s becoming more clear why most kids only apply to 7-10 schools. How could anyone figure out all of the applications and get them completed for 20 schools?!