School-specific short essays required in addition to your personal statement.
Most selective colleges require extra essays: "Why this school?", "Why this major?", community impact, intellectual curiosity, etc. These range from 50 to 350 words. They are the most time-consuming part of applying to multiple schools.
Why it matters
Supplemental essays are where you prove genuine interest in each specific school. Generic "this school is great" essays hurt you. Do real research: mention specific professors, programs, traditions, or opportunities that excite you. Vague praise is worse than no essay.
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