<p>I know that Harvard says that the supplemental essay is purely optional and many people say to not write it if you have nothing extremely important to say, but do most people write it? And do you think it hurts the application if it is not as good as the Common App essay?</p>
<p>Did you try searching this thread for your question? It’s been asked and answered many times before: [College</a> Confidential - Search Results](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/search.php?searchid=40723362]College”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/search.php?searchid=40723362)</p>
<p>^^ I’m also pretty confused by your question as:
(1) in your first post, you claim to be an incoming Harvard freshman: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1357485-how-do-i-meet-right-people-harvard-next-year.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1357485-how-do-i-meet-right-people-harvard-next-year.html</a>
(2) in your 2nd and 3rd posts, you claim to be asking questions for your sister’s friend: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1361956-how-much-do-ecs-actually-matter.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1361956-how-much-do-ecs-actually-matter.html</a> and <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1388842-how-these-girls-chances.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1388842-how-these-girls-chances.html</a></p>
<p>If you are indeed a Harvard freshman, you already should know the answers to these questions!</p>
<p>Okay…sorry I wanted to get a more diverse range of opinions. I personally did write the extra essay but that is because I truly had something additional to add to my application. The couple of people at Harvard who I asked also wrote it. However, it’s not something that’s the best conversation starter, so I haven’t really gotten to talk to many people about it. I was hoping this forum would be a better source but I guess not.</p>
<p>My daughter submitted her Yale and Princeton supplemental essay to Harvard. I imagine many students do the same thing.</p>
<p>For what it’s worth: She was accepted to Harvard, but rejected at Yale and Princeton. Not sure what that says about whether the it helps or hurts to submit the supplemental essay.</p>