Personal Application causing me grief!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Tulane University
1

<p>Hi, on the Tulane Personal Application, I am having a hard time with the "not a formal essay" question. On common app essay, I tried to make a point about what I learned from an experience, but on this question, can I truly just write about a special interest of mone without trying to show that it has made me a better person or taught me a lesson? How have some of you answered this? UGH - I would have had my app in 2 weeks ago if I just skipped this one! This is the question on case you don't know what I mean:</p>

<p>"By using the Personal Application, you are not required to submit a formal essay. However, we do ask that you write a personal statement (at least 250 words) – allowing Tulane to get an idea of who you are beyond your grades, classes and test scores. If there’s any information you would like the admission committee to take into consideration when reviewing your application, this is the place for it.
Using the space below, please write between 250 and 500 words to describe a special interest, significant experience or achievement, or anything else that has special meaning to you or had a significant influence on you."</p>

2

<p>I just cut down my common app essay and submitted that. I really liked my common app essay and felt it fit the question rather well. I think you’re over analyzing (:
Hopefully, submitting the common app essay is okay - but I see no reason why it wouldn’t be.</p>

3

<p>back when i applied i trimmed down my college essay for other schools and used it as my personal statement for tulane. they’re looking for anything that sets you apart, so if you’ve got a good essay already, find a way to make it work within their word limit.</p>

4

<p>S2 also used a version of his common app essay. It apparently worked out just fine.</p>

5

<p>Um, it sound like your common app essay DOES answer the question. Significant experience, check.
cut down your existing essay and submit. you are definitely overthinking this.</p>

6

<p>Is it ok if you go over the 250-500 word limit. Lets say 550 words ok?</p>

7

<p>Nope, they have a limit for a reason. To see if students can listen to the criteria and follow it.</p>

8

<p>even if you copy & paste more than 500 words and it seems to work, it will be cut off at 500 words when the admissions office receives your application. so keep it to 500 or less.</p>