<p>How important is the common app essay? Everybody says "make sure your essays are great", but are they mostly referring to the supplemental essays or is the common app one just as important?</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure the common app can be just as important if it's in place of a supplemental essay or if it's the only essay... or if a school is essay driven.
Can anyone back me up?</p>
<p>For most kids, the essay neither hurts nor helps the application. But if you're a borderline applicant and/or applying to a smaller college (all the Ivies are relatively small in that your admissions officer will remember who you are, and of course all LACs) then your essay needs to be good.</p>
<p>Admissions officers expect that you will have put a great deal of time and work into your essay. Do not give it short shrift. Especially because most CommonApp supplemental essays are 'Why school X' essays of 3/4 sentences.</p>
<p>It is my opinion that the essay is critically important if you are applying to one of the top thirty lacs. I can not speak to the larger universities. At every one of the seven lacs I applied to they made it clear the essay was a major factor. I am a member of Wesleyan's class of 2011 and I know it was very important.</p>
<p>The essay is what makes you stand apart from the crowd. In the end, past the small variations in the numbers and courses chosen, the essay and ECs are what differentiate people. Having an amazing essay will make a large difference. It's really the only way admissions staff can know you from your application. I would say (being cliche) that your scores open the door, and your essay (and your ECs) get you through.</p>
<p>Of course, this only applies to selective schools in the top 30-50 where stats aren't enough to decide on admits.</p>
<p>Would you say it is better to do a funny essay or go for a dramatic tear-inducing essay?</p>
<p>Essay readers are looking for your "voice" -- whether it be funny or dramatic. As long as it rings sincere -- that'll be a benefit. Don't try to be either for the sake of being funny or dramatic -- be yourself. If humor is a natural part of your conversation and creative writing and you can recount a funny anecdote, do so. Many people do write about crises in their lives (e.g. passing of a grandparent) but can you write down deep reflections and understandings? If so, do it. If not, consider more options.</p>
<p>My "open" essay was about my regret of betraying a friend's secret homosexuality. Re-reading several decades after writing it, I could see what the 17-year old me was thinking and feeling.</p>