<p>For Stanford's intellectual vitality essay, I can, with some minor changes, basically use my original common app. response to answer the Stanford prompt.
So my question is: Does Stanford (or any other University) prefer the answer to their supplemental questions over that from the common app? </p>
<p>Obviously, writing must be strong throughout the application, but I really think the common app response is my best and was looking for some outside input on this issue. Thanks!</p>
<p>I would highly discourage you from reusing your Common App essay for the supplement. For one, Stanford reads all of them, and that would just be repetitive. More than that, Stanford places a huge emphasis on essays, and so if you seem to be taking the easy route out instead of trying to show more of who you are to the admissions team, then you probably won't be in a favorable light in their eyes.</p>
<p>^^yea, my bad, I messed up with the wording...</p>
<p>I would not use the same essay twice, but rather take my original common app essay, use it for Stanford's Vitality prompt, and then write a different common app essay</p>
<p>sorry about that</p>
<p>Oh, I see. In that case, you have to ask yourself: are there any stronger topics for the vitality prompt? Will the Common App essay be as strong as the essay for the vitality prompt (i.e. condensed)? Will the replacement essay for the Common App be as strong if not stronger than the original one? Remember that "the main essay" is the main essay for a reason. ;)</p>
<p>What's the prompt for the common App essay?</p>
<p>If it's broad -- and you think your original essay is a perfect match for the other prompt, then I see no problem with it?</p>
<p>As to your question about preference, I have no idea.</p>
<p>kyledavid: thanks for the input</p>
<p>bourne: Common App= "Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you."
(there are more ?s, but this is the one I am responding to)
vs.
Stanford= "Stanford students are widely known to possess a sense of intellectual vitality. Tell us about an idea or an experience you have had that you find intellectually engaging."</p>
<p>not an exact match, but with a little tweaking it could work...</p>
<p>Nonetheless, I think I will maintain my original common app response and write a new one for Stanford.</p>
<p>I say keep your common app essay the same and come up with something new for the supplement.</p>
<p>I agree with eating food. Also, remember, I hope you're not just applying to Stanford so a good common app essay can come in handy at many schools.</p>
<p>KYLEDAVID: Sorry to be confused, but which essay is the "main essay"? The Stanford one or the Common App one?</p>
<p>Also, on the question of "intellectual vitality", what happens if you are talking about something you are "passionate" about that is not exactly "intellectual"?</p>
<p>Thanks for any input!!</p>
<p>
[quote]
KYLEDAVID: Sorry to be confused, but which essay is the "main essay"? The Stanford one or the Common App one?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>The main essay is the personal statement on the Common App--it's the one that doesn't specifically have a word limit and has six or so different topics.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Also, on the question of "intellectual vitality", what happens if you are talking about something you are "passionate" about that is not exactly "intellectual"?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I think that'd be okay.</p>