<p>I know essays are an important component of one's application (perhaps the most important if other stats have reached a certain level), but how do individual essays themselves rank in importance? How would Princeton's own supplement essay compare with the Common App main essay? And I was told it'd be a good idea to write a "why I want to go to your university" even though they don't require it - how important would that be if I were to submit it?</p>
<p>I think it’s a bad idea to submit anything extra that isn’t requested for. Especially if it would say nothing about YOU and everything about their college (i.e. facts that they already know).</p>
<p>As an aside, have you begun writing all your “Why X College” essays? They can get deviously hard.</p>
<p>both are equally important in my mind. Every little bit counts and everything should be considered as very important.</p>