How important is supplementary writing for college applications?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I've been working on my common app essay. But, I've heard that some colleges require supplementary writing too. How important are these supplementary essays in the admission process compared to the main common app essay? Any advice on how to approach them would be great. Thanks!

Supplementary essays are an essential part of your college applications, as they allow colleges to gain a deeper understanding of who you are and what you can bring to their campus. While your common app essay provides a broader picture of your experiences, motivations, and goals, supplementary essays allow you to showcase your fit and interest in specific schools and programs. In many cases, they can be just as important as your common app essay, especially at more selective colleges that use a holistic admissions process.

Here are some tips on how to approach supplementary essays:

1. Research the college and program: Thoroughly research the colleges you're applying to and the programs they offer. Understand their unique values, resources, and opportunities, as well as any distinct features that make the college stand out.

2. Be specific and genuine: In your essays, be specific about why you want to attend the college and how it aligns with your interests, goals, and values. Provide concrete examples, such as particular courses, professors, research opportunities, or extracurricular activities that genuinely excite you or align with your passions.

3. Answer the prompt clearly: Make sure you answer the prompt directly and use clear, concise language. While it's important to be engaging and creative, ensure that your response is focused and relevant to the question asked.

4. Avoid generic answers: Colleges can spot generic answers that could apply to any school. They're looking for students who have thoughtfully considered their fit with the institution. Make sure your answers are unique to the college you’re applying to, which will demonstrate your genuine interest.

5. Revise and edit: As with your common app essay, begin the process early and take the time to revise and polish your supplementary essays. Ask a trusted teacher, counselor, or mentor to review your essays for feedback on clarity, grammar, and content.

Remember that colleges will carefully consider your supplementary essays in conjunction with your common app essay and the rest of your application. Both the common app essay and supplementary essays offer distinct opportunities to showcase your personality, goals, and fit with the college. Approach them with equal importance and dedication to give yourself the best chance of standing out in the applicant pool.