<p>In addition to the personal statement on the CommonApp, it appears Harvard accepts one additional essay. However, I have to different topics I would like to write about, that would just not go together in the same essay. I also plan on submitting my research paper abstract.</p>
<p>Can one submit a personal statement, 2 additional essays (instead of 1), AND an abstract?</p>
<p>An admissions director only has about 15 minutes to look over your entire file, which includes your transcript, list of EC’s, guidance counselor report, teacher recommendations, and essays. The more you send them, the less time they have to look over the required elements of your file and the more “distractions” you possibly create. There’s an expression in the admissions biz, “The thicker the file, the thicker the kid.” You don’t want to be seen as the “thick kid.”</p>
<p>Last year, the Harvard supplement had space for one optional open ended essay – and it was really optional. Many students were admitted without submitting the optional essay. This year, because the Common Application reduced the number of required essays from one to two, Harvard may add something additional to their supplement – or they may not. You will have to wait until August 1st to view Harvard’s 2014 supplement and see if it has changed.</p>
<p>BTW: For 2014, students can no longer upload documents to the Common Application or any of the supplements to discourage kids from sending in more than the required elements.</p>
<p>Also see:
[Meet</a> the New Common Application - Head Count - The Chronicle of Higher Education](<a href=“http://chronicle.com/blogs/headcount/meet-the-new-common-application/32122]Meet”>Head Count: Meet the New Common Application)
<a href=“https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/2013/EssayAnnouncementFinal.pdf[/url]”>https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/2013/EssayAnnouncementFinal.pdf</a></p>
<p>So, I can submit the personal statement, 1 additional essay, and 1 research abstract?</p>
<p>^^ You will definitely be able to type into a text-box your personal statement. (The statement cannot be shorter than 250 words or longer than 650 words.) If Harvard makes a text-box available on their supplement this year, you might be able to submit one additional essay. You’ll have to wait until August 1st to find out what Harvard is doing with their supplement. You will NOT be able to submit your abstract through the Common Application or Harvard’s Supplement, as uploaded documents are no longer allowed. To submit your abstract, you will need to snail mail it in.</p>
<p>Less is more. And I agree with everything gibby has said.</p>