How Many Essays Do You Write for the Common App? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not as Many as You Think!)
The Common Application, that glorious beast of a college application system, can make even the most organized student feel like they’re drowning in essays. You’ve got your grades, your test scores, your extracurricular activities – and then there’s the writing.
The Big Question: How Many Essays?
So, the big question is: How many essays do you actually write for the Common App?
The short, sweet answer: One.
Yes, you read that right. You write one essay for the Common App, and that same essay is submitted to all the colleges you apply to through the Common App.
But Wait, There’s More… (Or Is There?)
Now, before you start doing the victory dance, there’s a slight twist. While you only write one essay for the Common App, some colleges might ask you to write supplemental essays on top of that.
Think of it like this: The Common App essay is your general introduction, and the supplemental essays are like mini-essays tailored specifically to each college.
The Supplemental Essay Saga
These supplemental essays can be anything from short answer questions about your interests to full-blown essays about why you want to attend that specific school. It’s like a game of college roulette – you never know how many extra essays you’ll be spinning until you’ve applied.
The Common App Essay: Your One-Size-Fits-Most
The Common App essay is your chance to shine, to showcase your personality, your passions, and your unique perspective. It’s a chance to connect with admissions officers and show them why you’re a perfect fit for their school.
Tips for Mastering the Common App Essay:
- Choose wisely: Pick a prompt that truly resonates with you and allows you to tell a compelling story.
- Show, don’t tell: Instead of simply stating your qualities, use anecdotes and examples to demonstrate them.
- Be yourself: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Admissions officers want to see your genuine voice and personality.
- Proofread, proofread, proofread: Typos and grammatical errors can make a bad impression. Have a friend or family member take a look as well.
The Supplemental Essay Shuffle
So, how many supplemental essays will you write? It really depends on the colleges you apply to. Some colleges are notorious for their lengthy supplemental essay requirements, while others might only ask for a few short answers.
The Good News: You’re Not Alone!
Don’t worry, you’re not the only one struggling with the essay game. There are tons of resources available to help you navigate the process, including:
- The Princeton Review: They offer a comprehensive guide to the Common App, including tips for crafting the perfect essay.
- Collegeboard: Their website has a wealth of information about college essay writing, including sample essays and tips from experienced admissions officers.
- Your High School Counselor: They can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the college application process.
The Bottom Line: Keep It Real
Remember, the college application process is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, don’t stress too much about the essay count, and focus on crafting essays that are genuinely you.
Need More Help?
If you need more guidance or resources on the Common App essay, or you just want to vent about the whole application process, join us at JobLoving! We’re a community of students, recent grads, and career professionals who are here to help you navigate the ups and downs of life after high school.
So, go forth and conquer, fellow college applicants!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Common App essay prompts early so you can start thinking about your topic and brainstorming ideas. You’ve got this!