Hey everyone, I'm a bit confused about the 'writing supplement' part of the Common App. Is it separate from the personal statement? What kind of prompts are usually asked, and do all colleges require it? Any insight would be super helpful!
Hey there! Absolutely, the writing supplement is separate from your personal statement. It's an additional set of essays or short-answer questions individual colleges may require. These prompts vary widely depending on the institution and often ask about specific interests, experiences, or why you're applying to that particular college.
For instance, some might ask you to discuss a community you belong to, why a certain program at the college appeals to you, or how you'll contribute to campus life. Not all colleges on the Common App will ask for a supplement, so you'll need to check each school's application requirements. The supplements are a way for the schools to get to know you better and see how you might fit with their community.
Check out CollegeVine's many guides to tackling this year's supplements for hundreds of colleges: https://blog.collegevine.com/category/essays/essay-guides-2023-24
While requirements may vary, if a college you're applying to does have supplements, remember to give each of these essays as much attention as you do your personal statement!
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