Beyond The Common Application Essay The Dreaded Writing Supplements

Beyond The Common Application Essay The Dreaded Writing Supplements Beyond The Common Application Essay: The Dreaded Writing Supplements Beyond The Common Application Essay: The Dreaded Writing Supplements When our students dig into the college  application process, they are often  surprised to encounter, not just the main  Common Application essay assignment, but a host of additional, school-specific  writing prompts for which  they must also craft  thoughtful  replies. What are these wicked questions? What is the best way to approach them? How are they different from the Common Applications main essay? The main  Common Application essay is what many refer to as a personal statement, meant to shed light on a students  personality and other  characteristics that cannot be gleaned from a transcript or activity resume.  The supplemental essays are often more focused that the Common App assignment, though they  vary in length and scope. Their prompts  tackle  subjects that range from deeper explorations of a student’s collegiate and academic interests like: “Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?” (University  of Michigan, 500 words) to more amorphous topics like: “Celebrate your nerdy side.” (Tufts University, 250 words) We often encourage students  to nail down their personal statement topic first, then asking them to approach their  supplemental essays in priority order, according to submission deadlines. Many schools will offer prompts that are similar  in theme and content to the questions of other colleges  (for example, many institutions  now ask about a students most important activity), so it is helpful for  students gather all supplement questions before beginning the brainstorm process to see where they might naturally  overlap.  For example, take the  University of  North Carolina  and  University of  Virginia  supplement questions: UNCs prompt  states,  Most of us have one or more personality quirks. Explain one of yours and what it says about you. (500 words) U.Va similarly asks,  We are a community with quirks, both in language (we’ll welcome you to Grounds, not campus) and in traditions.  Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are. (250 words) UVAs prompt can be easily  answered by making  thoughtful tweaks to the UNCs essay of similar subject and elongated word count. Ivy League applications often have extensive supplemental sections, as do some honors programs, so students should keep  this  in mind as they hunt for their essay questions and map out their plan of attack. Know that all supplemental essays  should be given the same time and care as the main  Common Application essay. Schools want confirmation that students are willing to put in the thought and effort  required to meet their  specific requirements. You would be amazed how many people have trouble following instructions, or checking their essay content  to make sure they are truly answering what is being asked of them. These supplements are an excellent opportunity to show a school both your competence and level of devotion to their institution. And, they offer additional opportunities to paint some personality into your application. So embrace The Dreaded Supplements, and show these schools what youre made of! About CEA HQView all posts by CEA HQ »