<p>I'm applying to Harvard for premed. The supplement does not require any essays beyond the one from the common app, but there's an additional essay section that says you may include "an" additional essay, then suggests five topics, one of which is a list of books you have read the previous year. </p>
<p>My older brother says that if I want to be considered a serious applicant I should write an essay on all five topics (or the four that aren't a list of books), but the word "an" suggests to me that they only want one. I am also skeptical of whether or not admissions even wants to read 5 essays from the same applicant.</p>
<p>I was planning on writing one of the essays and doing the book list since I read lots of medical books and I think it will show my interest in medicine. Any advice?</p>
<p>Sorry if this has been asked before, I searched and couldn't find a similar question.</p>
<p>For the love of God, don’t do all five! At best, your brother is mistaken. At worst, he’s trying to make you look ridiculous.</p>
<p>In fact, don’t do an essay *and *a list of books. Do one or the other. Follow the instructions. It’s not a trick question.</p>
<p>Thirty years ago, I knew a lot of people at Harvard who had chosen to list the books they had read. I wonder whether any of the essays have changed in 30 years.</p>
<p>Haha, alright. I meant that I would do the list of books in addition to an essay, but if I should only submit one piece of supplementary material, I won’t do the book list. And I’ll make sure to spell Harvard right on the application. Thanks.</p>