<p>I have been studying for SAT Subject Tests and have sketched out my personal statement, but have been trying to look at/think about some of my supplemental essays and scholarship applications. It seems so many of my schools (esp women's colleges) have so many supplemental essays. And many scholarship apps have essays as well. I'm not sure if you can send the same essays to more than one place. I'm very nervous about doing that but don't know if I have all these essays in me between now and the 1st of January.</p>
<p>In general, what are schools looking for in supplemental essays. Is it what you say or how you say it? As for why did you choose this school, I can think of 1) location 2) chances of getting in 3) reputation but I don't think that they are looking for that. </p>
<p>I'm tempted to start crossing off schools based on how complex or numerous their supplement essays are. Any thoughts on how to streamline this process? Thanks.</p>
<p>How many schools are you applying to?
If a lot, (more than 8) you might try paring it down, making sure you have a financial/academic safety or two, that you’d be happy going to.</p>
<p>I think it is okay to use the same essays (or variations on a theme)–I don’t know why not. Just be very careful to be sure not to send a why I love Smith essay to Barnard or something!</p>
<p>As for the supplemental essays, if you have been there on a visit, try to think of something that made you excited about the school–real examples of things that resonated with you. [the beautiful science labs, the literary workshop you sat in on, the campus traditions that you want to be part of] If you haven’t been there, then look at their programs of study/research opportunities/etc, and speak to unique aspects that draw you to that school (ie, the school’s well-known study abroad program in Botswana appeals to me, since I am very interested in working with an NGO in that area after I graduate). Ask yourself why are you applying there? If you can’t think of 5 good reasons, maybe cross that one off your list!</p>
<p>If you can tie some of your essays to a passion/your future major, that is a good way for them to get the sense of what you might add to campus, by way of ideas and enthusiasm.</p>
<p>Somebody else might have more ideas, I’m just a parent! These DO get complicated. My D expanded/adapted some essays written for Eng for some of the supplemental ones; she mostly wrote new but there were a LOT!</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
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<p>Paperplane has some excellent suggestions – look at each school’s website, see what they brag about and kick in at least a small mention of something unique about them.</p>
<p>In general, however, it’s most practical to use the same generic elements for each of these schools and then add a personalized kicker. The generic reasons? Strength of the school in your planned major; size of school (small - more opportunities for interaction with professors; large - great diversity of courses); and selectivity of admissions, which means your peers will be bright and engaging. Geographic location can be a plus (either close to home or far away from home) if it’s mentioned as a secondary argument. If you prefer women’s colleges, make your argument as to why you think they would be best for you.</p>