Patch Blog: Four Tips for Supplemental Essays

Forget the 12 days of Christmas. Instead, it’s time to focus on the approximately 12 days before many college applications are due. By now, your student’s Common Application is probably finished. But he or she may still be winding up any supplemental essays.

Here is some last-minute advice:

What is the secret to writing an effective essay about why you want to attend a certain college?

“Make sure you do the research to learn as much as you can about what makes that particular college a standout for you, and then think about the ways in which these unique offerings match your passions and goals,” advises Julie Fulton, CEO of Mosaic College Prep, a full-service college admissions consulting company.  

“One common mistake students make is answering this prompt too generally, and missing out on the opportunity to demonstrate their interest in the school.” 

You’ll know an answer is too generic if, with just a few edits, you could substitute it for one you’ve written for another college on your list.

Some colleges ask you to write an essay about what you plan on studying or what your intended major is. What if you don’t know what you want to major in? Should you choose one anyway?   

No. It’s fine to say you are undecided, says Fraser; colleges won’t hold it against you. Besides if you declare a major your academic record doesn’t back up, it may reflect badly on you. Still, it’s a good idea to narrow your interests down to a few departments.

Some colleges ask a series of short answers, such as what is your favorite book? If, let’s say, you’re a physics enthusiast, should you put down a book about science in order to appear consistent? 

Not necessarily. The college already knows you’re a science guy or gal from your application, so this can be a place to spotlight another interest or passion and give the admissions staff a more rounded picture of you, says Fraser. The main thing is, be authentic and select a book you really do enjoy.  

If the college gives you the opportunity to write an “optional” supplemental essay, do you have to submit one?

Yes. If two students with almost identical backgrounds apply, and one writes the extra essay and one doesn’t, admissions officers will favor the student who made the extra effort, according to Fraser. This extra essay also gives you another opportunity to distinguish yourself from the thousands of other applicants.