<p>I mean, obviously the supplemental is important, but how important when compared to the Common App Essay. I know it is common to spend hours upon hours working on the Common App Essay, but is this usual for the Supplemental Essay usually asking "Why do you want to go to this school?".</p>
<p>I think that "Why do you want to go to University X" can be more straightforward and perhaps take less time than the Common App essay. But really, it's not a matter of time spent. Do the best job you can on both. After all, each college really wants to know why you selected that school to apply to.</p>
<p>Go to the parent cafe and check out the link "How not to write an essay." there are some notes on "Why I want to attend this college" that are priceless.</p>