<p>If you're writing a supplementary essay, is it okay to write about "Why College X?", or is that too over-used a topic?</p>
<p>Also, how long should the supplementary essay be, if the university doesn’t say?
Thanks.</p>
<p>No, no - do write on it. It may be overused topic but can still strike a cord with the adcoms if written well. And yeah, make it around 250 words - not more.</p>
<p>if your a junior writing college essays your too early. if your a senior writing college essays your too late. and yes try something ORIGINIAL</p>
<p>Assuming you are a junior… Better 9 months early than 9 hours before it’s due! <em>ahem</em> Its never too early. Chances are, if you have to write a supplementary essay, a prompt will be given. I’ve never written a supp essay without a prompt. Sometimes it’s “Why ____,” sometimes it’s write a “personal statement.” Be sure to check out the college’s app prompt before you begin!</p>
<p>Thanks for all the replies so far :). I’m choosing the “Topic of Your Choice” prompt. And I’m homeschooled, but I think I’d be in junior year if I were at high school. I’m applying this autumn.</p>
<p>Now is the perfect time for juniors to start thinking about their essays. They should have a rough draft of one or two by July and should be finished by the end of September/beginning of October. Application period is stressful and busy. Getting the essay done will reduce stress.</p>
<p>There are no cliche topics.</p>
<p>There are only cliche treatments of topics.</p>
<p>That topic is overused, yet if original, is excellent. Many schools want to know why you love it so much. Like GWU.</p>
<p>I’ve already got two other essays done, of which one is mediocre and I think one is pretty good; this is an optional one, though. What would usually be considered a cliche treatment of “Why College X?”</p>
<p>Well, thats what they want (why you want to go there) but it is a little overdone…</p>
<p>I know what cliche and trite mean, but I was specifically wondering what would be cliche with regards to writing a college essay on “Why College X?” - i.e. what do other students usually say and what are the most overused phrases in this context?</p>
<p>It is a good essay topic if done well. It tells the admissions office why they should admit you or not. It shows your desire as well.</p>
<p>When you come to know a particular college, you will come to know what is commonly said about it. For example, “NYU is in the greatest city in the world”. An effective “Why?” essay will not just repeat what is commonly known about the college, but rather will provide a personal, detailed, honest assessment that will, ideally, reveal you alone.</p>
<p>Ah, I see what you mean. You mean that I shouldn’t just repeat commonly known facts about a place, but rather state what exactly about the place appeals to me?</p>
<p>Exactly.</p>
<p>Now, it’s OK imo to like things that are well-known. In my example, it’s OK to appreciate the fact that NYU is in New York. However, whatever you appreciate about New York should not be what is commonly said, and should not be lacking detail–e.g. “New York is the greatest city in the world”. That statement reveals nothing about you and also shows a lack of insight into New York.</p>