Suplement Essay (?) -- plus more

College Essays
1

<p>I have a few noob questions, but i'd rather ask and look like an idiot than not ask and regret it later... Some of these are probably FAQ, but I can't find them anywhere.</p>

<p>1)Do colleges have a separate application from the common app (IE: an application just for that university/college)?</p>

<p>2)If I apply thought the common app, is there a lower chance of me getting in? (assuming that the given university does have a more "personal" app and also offers common or universal app)</p>

<p>3) I know it says the Supplement essay (for some schools) are not required. Should I do ahead and do them? (IE: is it something that is "optional" but really required like ACT writing for example)</p>

<p>4) how long should essays be? I know the common app says at least 250, but the one I have done is 651. Is that too long? </p>

<p>Thank you for your help.</p>

2

<ol>
<li><p>Some colleges do, and they’ll specify that on their website (like MIT). Colleges that use the common app generally have a supplement, which is unique to that college. So you’d submit the common app, and the individual supplement to each college, both through the common app website.</p></li>
<li><p>Generally, no. If colleges accept both, then they usually specify that they don’t discriminate between the two types.</p></li>
<li><p>Yea, if you’re applying to that school, you should go ahead and do it, even if its optional. It will boost your application, and is a sign that you’re very interested in the college.</p></li>
<li><p>I thought the common app has essays of different word length? There should be some that are 500 words also. But if it says 250 and you’ve reached 650, thats WAY too much. Start trimming.</p></li>
</ol>

3

<p>Well it says 250 in minimum for the Personal Essay.
Is that still too much? >.<
It’s already missing info as it is.</p>

4

<p>Is there no way you can cut anything? Its fine, but keep in mind this is a SHORT answer. A 650 word essay/paragraph isn’t really short.</p>

5

<p>651 isn’t too long for the common app essay.</p>

6

<p>Yo! Blue box…651 isn’t long for the common app!!
People have written 1000 words essays too!!</p>

<p>@Chaimex: Common app has no upper word limit! But it is general perception that an essay between 500-750 is a good length! Mine right now is 621 and I have two more paras to add! :slight_smile:
So I would be around 675ish!</p>

7

<p>Noo. General perception is it should be around 500. Thats the idea I got when I wrote my essays last year and asked for advice. Concise = better.</p>