<p>So maybe I'm just really late but I just found out that Penn removed the page 217 optional essay =( I'm really bummed. Earlier in the summer I remember seeing the prompt and just thought of an idea and was in the process of writing it and went onto the common app to see where to submit it and it wasn't there. Then I went online and found out that they got rid of it. Does anybody know if we can use this essay as the common app essay under topic of your choice? And how exactly does topic of your choice work? Do you just write an essay or do you have to address the prompt beforehand? Quick responses are appreciated
Thank you in advance<br>
=)</p>
<p>Yep…pg. 217 will be sorely missed. But, you should be able to re-use your essay for the common app. I remember using the “Your Own Topic” option and just writing an essay about how much I loved science, how I got to love science, etc. You should just aim for your essay to show who you are beyond the numbers; you should be looking to demonstrate your ability to articulate your thoughts and personality on paper :D</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply and your advice! Also. how long should the “Why Penn” essay be? I think mine might be a little too long with 842 words.</p>
<p>What’s the page 217 essay? Should I worry If I already submitted my Ed app to Penn? I chose the first common app topic and did the why Penn essay. What’s different?</p>
<p>^ They don’t have it anymore. Previous years, UPenn had an (optional?) essay about writing what page 217 of your biography would be like (or something along those lines). But since they got rid of it, you don’t have to worry about it. (:
Though I, too, was looking forward to that prompt and was a little disappointed when I found out they got rid of it. :P</p>
<p>I heard about 500 words Is best for why Penn. Mine was around 530.</p>
<p>For essay length, concise is generally best (extra emphasis on the “generally”).
I’d go with the rule of thumb of 500 words.</p>
<p>Oh, and now I find this:
So yeah. Around 500. I would definitely try cutting your essay down at this point.</p>
<p>My “Why Penn essay” was 1100 words…oops.</p>
<p>yep I would aim for 500 words for the common app essay. I think most of my supplementary essays were around 250 unless stated otherwise</p>
<p>Jordan, it better keep them interested for 1100 words other wise they’re gonna get bored :P</p>
<p>It was a very interesting essay. If interested I would share with anyone, but I’m a little hesitant about posting on this thread in case someone would plagiarize and use my essay.</p>