Supplements

Essays show up in surprising places. There'a a substantial essay as well as a shorter paragraph on the Common Application. And many colleges require a supplement that includes additional writing--short answer questions about what you'll contribute to the school or a "Why us?" question.

The best strategy for these additional essays:

1. Make a list of all the supplemental questions you have to answer.

2. Look for reasonable overlap. Every "Why us?" question has to be answered separately since every school is different and your reasons will vary according to what a school offers. But if one school asks for a "failure" and another asks for a "mistake," there's a good chance you can use the same answer for both applications.

3. Don't start writing without your core essay and activity paragraph in front of you. Remember you are trying to convey yourself into the admission office. So your personal characteristics and style should drive these answers as well. If you are trying to show your tenacity, and your core essay is about three years riding the bench for varsity soccer, don't contradict or reiterate that point of view in supplemental answers.

It's not what they want to hear; it's what they need to know. Even in the supplements.