<p>Hi, Im applying RD and my question is whether the extra essay on the supplement is neccessary or not. Is it truly “optional” or is it much better to do the extra essay?
Thanks</p>
<p>It depends whether you think it's worth their time or not. I consider writing probably by far my strongest suit, and yet I didn't send in a second essay (although I supplemented my application with a research abstract). Why? I felt my Common App essay was a real microcosm of my personality and that anything else would simply muddy the waters at Byerly. I'd say if you really think you need more of a say, go for it, but don't pounce on it just because it's there.</p>
<p>*I got in, btw.</p>
<p>I agree with beneath the climb. Only send in an essay if it's good and will add something to your application, like a part of your personality that isn't fully explained in other parts of your app.</p>
<p>any chance of seeing this essay beneath the climb? Not to steal of course, but just to see how your represented in it...</p>
<p>OKAY COULD I ADD ON A QUESTION...the common app says 500 word limit..i didnt realize that until today..will it hurt us to go beyond that?..500 words?..ahh..could it be more?!?!..did anyone who got in did more than 500 words (sorry that i ask for only the ppl who got in because than i would know it didnt affect them negatively)..oo plz someone answer im freakin out and i have to send one of my apps by today..</p>
<p>I've actually been told that the majority of Harvard acceptees went beyond the 500 word limit ... My roommate told me that (hers was around 800 words) and I believe she heard it from a reputable source (possibly my other roommate, who works in the admissions office) - it was a few weeks ago so I don't remember clearly. Anyway, point is, don't be afraid to exceed the limit if you have something more (and significant/relevant) to say.</p>
<p>ooo thank god..anyone else..really im freaking out..cuz of this.."Note: Text beyond the limits WILL BE TRUNCATED! Let your text wrap naturally and double-space between paragraphs only. Remove extra spaces, tabs, and indents. These items affect formatting in your Print Preview, as well as in your final PDF. What you see in your Print Preview is exactly what your college(s) will see"...THE LIMIT..i go beyond the limit..aghh..anyone else?</p>
<p>bigjake I'd be happy to let you see it if you'd like. Send me a pm.</p>
<p>Keep it within the one page limit. The "limits" on the online commonapp application is not the amount of words but the one page that the essay gets printed on.</p>
<p>ooo ok..thanks</p>
<p>If by paper app, you can have as many pages as you want and as many words as you want. Just don't over do it too much. And for my optional essay, I added an essay about an activity that was important to me, which might have interested them as they were reading my list of activitites. I do think its truly optional unless you are banking on a somewhat unique achievement that you want to embellish.</p>
<p>Just make sure it descirbes something which you want to highlight, or which you think the admissions people will be interested in hearing about.</p>