Strategic Essay Planning

College Essays
1

<p>I was wondering whether colleges that have common app supplements actually care about the common app essay?</p>

<p>I was thinking that for the common app essay I would write a safe "fictional character that influenced me" essay about how I developed the belief that I (and anyone) are empowered to change the world.</p>

<p>And then for the supplemental essays, I was thinking of writing a little quirkier essay about a dinner discussion with my friends, revealing my creative problem solving, love of thinking, and light hearted-ness.</p>

<p>However, if colleges don't read the Common App essay or don't care about it, I don't want to risk writing a quirky essay for their supplements...</p>

2

<p>They read it. My inclination (not based on any hard facts, mind you) would be that they put more value in it than the supplement anyway. Keep in mind that it is your official essay to the college.</p>

3

<p>Quirky is good as long as it has substance. In fact, if I were you I’d scrap the changing the word essay because that might come across a bit Miss America-ish, and go with something that is more personal.</p>