<p>I'm applying ed to tufts, so this is all due tomorrow.</p>
<p>For my common app essay, I took one of the Tufts optional essay topics and ran with it beyond the 400 word limit that Tufts asks for.
But now, I don't want to send my original common app essay to Tufts anymore, because I want to use my new version of the optional essay.
I took a design class, and I have a piece that I'm incredibly proud of, and Tufts has one of its optional essay topics being "Create something on an 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper"
I'm also a very slow essay writer, and my ideas are running a little thin.</p>
<p>My question is basically this, will my application be adversly affected since I'm submitting artwork instead of an essay? Its an optional essay, but since Tufts is my first choice, will they look down on a kind of cop-out on the essay? What do you think?</p>
<p>If you're absolutely serious about Tufts, it'll reflect poorly not to submit the optional essay- it'll look like you're not completely serious about your desire to get in.</p>
<p>I'd say this- if you can edit down the essay to 400 words without losing what makes it great, do it. If you can't? And that design is amazing...send that. I wouldn't go the artwork option if you're not looking into a very creative major.</p>
<p>My personal opinion is that you should edit down the essay (if possible) and submit your original essay for the Common App and an edited copy of the Tufts one. Tufts will see your extra interest. And, if you want to submit the longer one to other schools for RD? If you wanted, you could make an alternate copy of the Common App and use the longer "originally for Tufts" essay for other schools. Just make sure that the prompt from Tufts isn't at the top :)</p>