Start Applications EARLY to Find All of the Hidden Supplemental Essays!

Heads up, parents! There’s more than just personal statements to write! Watch out for the sneaky writing supplements!

Now that just about all college applications are up and ready for students, here’s a quick tip to avoid 11th-hour crises when your kid finds out that there were supplemental essays that they didn’t know about — a few hours before the application deadline. Yes indeed. As if college applications aren’t confusing enough!

You probably know that the Common Application is used by 519 colleges. It’s the largest organized system for college applications so there’s a strong possibility that your child will be using it. On the Common Application, they’ll need to write a personal essay using one of five prompts. This essay will be seen by all of the colleges.

Some colleges have a Supplemental Application, which is another short form that asks more specific questions that relate to their individual colleges. This is where you’ll learn about additional essays, portfolios and interviews that this college recommends or requires. Ask your child to fill out these supplemental applications right away so they can see all of the additional essays that are required. Depending on how  they answer these questions, they may receive new pop-up windows requiring more essays or information.  That’s why it’s important to open the applications early and become familiar with their contents right away.

I’ve had many panicked students calling me at 10:00 pm — just 2 hours before the deadline — wondering how they’re going to write these essays! Yikes! To minimize stress during the next few months, open all applications now and plan out how each one will be completed in your planner!